This is the video that i was telling you and the GO staff yesterday. Show it to jonathan if you can get the chance. I think it would work for the GO weekend. I can see if I can get a viewable copy for you. Cheers.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Congo world relief update
The situation in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rapidly deteriorating.
As of July 2008, there were 800,000 Congolese displaced in North Kivu from their homes and villages ...approximately 1.5 million in all of DRC. Now the number is soaring even higher.
Violence between rebels and government troops has flared in recent weeks, despite a peace agreement. In eastern DRC, another 100,000 people have been uprooted in the last month alone with another 100,000 possible in the coming weeks.
Earlier this week, the BBC quoted rebel troops stating that Goma would be targeted, where World Relief's operations are based.
"I don't know what is going to happen," said one aid worker, "but I think that Goma is going to fall."
Right now, the situation in Goma is incredibly tense, with many Congolese upset at the inability of the United Nations peacekeeping force to protect them. The 17,000-strong force has been unable to halt the violence in a region that has already been devastated by two different civils wars in the past decade.
Getting food and other urgent aid to millions affected by the violence has been impossible. One UN representative estimated only half the most vulnerable population have been reached, placing thousands at risk.
Congo has suffered over 5 million excess deaths in the past 12 years - an onslaught headed by malnutrition and disease spurred on by the conflict.
World Relief Plans Response
In the middle of the current crisis, World Relief is looking to get food, clothing, shelter and other vital supplies into the hands of uprooted families.
Safety protocol is being monitored. Paul Rebman, our Disaster Response Director, along with Maurice Omollo, Congo Country Director, Sam Fergusson, Managing Director of our microfinance institution, and their respective teams are closely monitoring the situation and leading our staff. Jean Paul Ndagijimana and Phil Smith are advising and supporting along with others.
Internally Displaced People (IDP) and refugee families need shelter, kitchen utensils, blankets, clothing and food. Many are arriving in Goma carrying nothing of their possessions. However, a number have been locked in their territories as fighting continues as they cannot move to areas of safety.
In partnership with local churches in and around the town of Goma, World Relief is preparing to provide targeted assistance to 3,000 families. This assistance may include temporary shelter materials, cooking kits, blankets, clothing, and a month's supply of food, depending on the needs of the family.
As of July 2008, there were 800,000 Congolese displaced in North Kivu from their homes and villages ...approximately 1.5 million in all of DRC. Now the number is soaring even higher.
Violence between rebels and government troops has flared in recent weeks, despite a peace agreement. In eastern DRC, another 100,000 people have been uprooted in the last month alone with another 100,000 possible in the coming weeks.
Earlier this week, the BBC quoted rebel troops stating that Goma would be targeted, where World Relief's operations are based.
"I don't know what is going to happen," said one aid worker, "but I think that Goma is going to fall."
Right now, the situation in Goma is incredibly tense, with many Congolese upset at the inability of the United Nations peacekeeping force to protect them. The 17,000-strong force has been unable to halt the violence in a region that has already been devastated by two different civils wars in the past decade.
Getting food and other urgent aid to millions affected by the violence has been impossible. One UN representative estimated only half the most vulnerable population have been reached, placing thousands at risk.
Congo has suffered over 5 million excess deaths in the past 12 years - an onslaught headed by malnutrition and disease spurred on by the conflict.
World Relief Plans Response
In the middle of the current crisis, World Relief is looking to get food, clothing, shelter and other vital supplies into the hands of uprooted families.
Safety protocol is being monitored. Paul Rebman, our Disaster Response Director, along with Maurice Omollo, Congo Country Director, Sam Fergusson, Managing Director of our microfinance institution, and their respective teams are closely monitoring the situation and leading our staff. Jean Paul Ndagijimana and Phil Smith are advising and supporting along with others.
Internally Displaced People (IDP) and refugee families need shelter, kitchen utensils, blankets, clothing and food. Many are arriving in Goma carrying nothing of their possessions. However, a number have been locked in their territories as fighting continues as they cannot move to areas of safety.
In partnership with local churches in and around the town of Goma, World Relief is preparing to provide targeted assistance to 3,000 families. This assistance may include temporary shelter materials, cooking kits, blankets, clothing, and a month's supply of food, depending on the needs of the family.
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