Open your eyes…

This month I’d like to talk about conflicts in parts of the world that are often ignored. People are dying, being exploited and suffering whilst most of the world does nothing.

The conflict in Sudan broke out in April 2023. A power struggle between government forces & RSF has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. More than 7 million people have been internally displaced with a further 1.9 million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. The human cost is enormous; gender based violence, food & water shortages, disease outbreaks pose immediate threat. Economic insecurity, health & education infrastructure attacks compound the crisis. You can help.

UNHCR work tirelessly to provide aid to refugees. They establish transit centres for rest, access to essential protection services and emergency supplies. They also assist displaced people inside Sudan with non food items and shelter. Please donate if you can.

A resurgence of fighting in DR Congo has worsened the humanitarian crisis. Forced displacement began almost 20 yrs ago, 7.9 million Congolese people are currently displaced. Many of them are in urgent need. In conflict areas women and children face widespread sexual violence. Kidnappings, extortion and forced labour are common place along with food, water & medical shortages. The scale of the crisis is terrifying. Please do what you can.

The IRC work to provide a number of services in DR Congo. Emergency medical care, shelter, training government workers, counselling for survivors of sexual violence and more. Please give what you can.

Side with the child over the gun…

This month I continue to support the people of Palestine with my charitable donations. I still find it extremely difficult to believe that we are witnessing a genocide happen in real time, ignored by most of our leaders.

Watching the videos coming out of Palestine is unbearable. Palestinians are forced to live this horror, so we cannot turn away. This week I have been inspired by the amazing Robyn Boyle and her work with Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee promoting boycotts. To quote Robyn, a boycott is an easy thing to ask of people because in a sense, you’re only asking that they do nothing. Boycotts are a free and simple way to take action. BDS (Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions) are a great resource on who to boycott, with location specific information. Money talks, where you choose to spend yours can have a huge impact.

We must of course also keep pressure on our politicians. They work for us, public opinion is overwhelmingly in support of a ceasefire. It is incumbent upon us to make that clear.

Photo Credit GGECScot

For my part I have also chosen to donate to UNFPA’s ‘Mama Kit’ campaign. A Mama Kit provides essentials for women with newborns in areas affected by natural disasters and conflicts. Gaza is currently severely lacking in food, clean water and medical supplies. One of these kits really could mean the difference between life and death.