Y Care International launches second appeal for Darfur

26 May 2007

Y Care International has launched an emergency appeal for communities affected by the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur province, calling on the public to donate online or over the counter at participating building societies.

Overall it is thought that more than four million people have been affected by the conflict, and it is estimated that between 1.9 and 2.5 million people have been forced from their homes due to fighting between different armed groups. With limited access to food, safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and healthcare the conditions in refugee camps are desperate.

In the next few weeks it is likely that Darfur will enter its wet season, with extremely heavy downpours expected daily. When this happens the situation will deteriorate further, bringing an increased risk of the spread of illnesses such as malaria and diarrhoea.

Donations to Y Care International’s appeal will enable its partner, the global alliance ACT International, to ensure that aid is delivered where it is needed most. ACT has been working with key local organisations since June 2004, in one of the largest humanitarian programmes in South and West Darfur.

Its response has included a feeding programme targeted at malnourished children and women, which has provided rations to more than 15,000 people. Its primary healthcare clinics have served more than 95,000 people.

Funds raised by Y Care International’s appeal will help to provide clean, safe drinking water, food, hygenic sanitary facilities, shelter and bedding and primary healthcare.

Chris Roles, Y Care International’s Chief Executive, said “We need people to donate to our appeal so our partner can act now before rains hit and reduce access to the camps still further.”

For almost four years fighting has blighted Darfur. There were hopes that the Darfur Peace Agreement, signed in May 2006, would bring peace to the region and allow rehabilitation to start. Unfortunately the situation only deteriorated and further violence led to even more people being displaced from their homes. Y Care International first appealed for funds for Darfur in 2004.