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.

In this silence…

Today marks a year since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan. A conflict that has been largely ignored my most of the world. To date 16000 people have been killed and over 8million have been forced to flee their homes.

Millions are currently living with acute food insecurity and without the basic necessities of life. Sexual and other violence are widespread in conflict zones & asylum routes. We can help by not being silent about the crisis in Sudan and if possible by supporting one of the following organisations.

The UN Refugee Agency provides protection and critical life saving services in Sudan. This includes shelter, food, water, health & sanitation facilities, cash based interventions and resettlement resources.

UNICEF provide emergency aid along with child targeted services such as education, immunisation and support for unaccompanied children.

If you are unable to make a donation at this time you can still help. AWOON, a women’s activist organistation providing legal assistance & advice for women in Port Sudan. Their work is especially targeted at people who have experienced sexual & gender based violence. They are currently hampered by interference from government agencies. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) is asking us to write to authorities in Sudan demanding that AWOON be allowed to operate freely and have their assets unfrozen. You can addressed and more information on the OMCT website.