World Must Give Generously to All Disaster Regions
The world’s humanitarian and government relief agencies urged people to give generously to the massive efforts in South Asia while remembering the ongoing needs of the impoverished in other regions around the globe.
The world’s humanitarian and government relief agencies urged people to give generously to the massive efforts in South Asia while remembering the ongoing needs of the impoverished in other regions around the globe.
Christian charitable groups, often linked to denominations in the United States, have been at the frontline of the tsunami relief battle since late December. Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Methodists, Anglicans and Roman Catholics gathered tens of millions of dollars from faithful congregants, and have often joined hands under inter-denominational alliances to better coordinate the efforts.
“The church community and people everywhere have responded magnificently — a wonderful outpouring of generosity and compassion,” said Jenny Borden, interim director of Action by Churches Together (ACT) International in Geneva.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The world’s nations also pledged extraordinary amounts for what historians are now calling the greatest natural disaster in modern human history; the death toll stood at 157,000 at Friday, January 14.
“We are seeing an extraordinary effort, probably unique in the history of humankind,” said Jan Egeland, United Nations under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, following an 81-nation meeting with ministers on Tuesday.
Egeland explained that international pledges are now at more than $4 billion. Much of the funds are dedicated for long-term efforts.
“Coordinating all the offers of assistance the strong initial assistance and funding is a big challenge,” Borden explained to Ecumenical News International. “The important thing is to keep people interested. In a year or two year’s time the work of rehabilitation will still be under way.”
Borden’s group is appealing for $42 million in pledges for long-term recovery in the region.
However, with all the world’s concerns focused on Asia, Borden said he fears other critical regions may be overlooked.
“I hope it is not going to impact negatively. We have important appeals for the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Eritrea and new appeals for Malawi and Northern Uganda, all of which are very underfunded. I hope the tsunami disaster will not make it worse for them.”
European Union aid commissioner Louis Michel agreed, saying: “It wouldn’t be right to deal with this tragedy by cutting assistance for Africa or other regions of the world in the grip of permanent humanitarian crises.”
Last Monday, President George W. Bush made a similar appeal to the American people, stressing the need to continue giving to NGOs for relief efforts both around and outside the tsunami-struck regions.
“It is essential that your contribution not replace the ongoing contributions you're making to help the NGO's of America,” said Bush. "You should view the tsunami relief effort as extra help."
All donations given to NGOs - including Christian groups - will be tax-deductible through the end of January. For more information on how to give, visit the Christian Post relief site at: www.christianpost/tsunami
