For International Day of Charity, it is important to speak not only about helping people, but also about how this help is provided.

Support should never be based on pity, superiority, or the idea of “saving” someone who is seen as weak. People facing difficult circumstances do not lose their dignity, agency, or right to make decisions about their own lives.

Real support begins with respect.

For people who have been forced to leave their homes, adapt to a new country, or navigate crisis, assistance can be essential. It may include access to information, social services, healthcare, documents, housing, psychosocial support, or emergency help. But the way support is provided matters just as much as the support itself.

A person asking for help should not be made to feel ashamed, powerless, guilty, or “difficult.” They should not have to prove that their situation is serious enough to deserve support. They should be met with confidentiality, clear communication, and respect for their choices and boundaries.

Support that respects dignity is not about doing everything for a person. It is about helping them understand their options, access services safely, and regain a sense of stability and control.

This approach is especially important when working with people in vulnerable situations, including refugees, people living with HIV, women with children, LGBTQ+ people, and others who may face stigma, discrimination, or additional barriers to support.

At RefAid BaltHUB, we support an approach that puts people’s real needs, safety, confidentiality, and dignity at the centre. Help should not reduce a person to their crisis. It should recognise their strength, context, and right to be treated with respect.

Charity should not devalue people.

It should help create conditions where people can access support without stigma, make informed choices, and rebuild a sense of security in their lives.

Support approaches that do not pity people, but help them regain stability, dignity, and agency.