Trcaire was established in 1973 and is the official overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland. Trcaire currently works in 27 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Trcaire's programmes are focused on five thematic areas: sustainable livelihoods; governance and human rights; gender equality; HIV and AIDS; and humanitarian preparedness and response.We envisage a just and peaceful world where people's dignity is ensured and rights are respected; where basic needs are met and resources are shared equitably; where people have control over their own lives and those in power act for the common good. We support communities in the developing world in their efforts to improve their lives, meet their basic needs and ensure their human dignity. This support is offered regardless of race, gender, religion or politics.Trocaire is not an operational agency and we implement our programmes in and through partnership with local civil society organizations. Funds are directly transferred to partners from our Regional Office in Cambodia or from HQ in Ireland. The office in Islamabad supports partner organizations through a small number of national and international staff by providing accompaniment and technical expertise. We are committed to supporting local solutions, building local capacity and ensuring that development interventions are sustainable. At home in Ireland we raise awareness about the causes of global poverty and encourage people to campaign for global change as a matter of justice.Trocaire opened an office in Islamabad in 2007 to accompany local partners more effectively as well as to understand the context more thouroughly.