November 16, 2007

The humanitarian crisis in Burma (Myanmar) is growing. Poverty in some regions has already reached critical levels. In mountainous regions, there is severe food insecurity and widespread malnutrition. In low-land areas, rice production has declined and landless peasants are resorting to scavenging to feed their children, as international sanctions tighten, humanitarian assistance and international aid are even more important and critical.

The deteriorating humanitarian situation also continues to cause displacement of civilians, driving many across the border into Thailand. Nine border camps shelter about 150,000 refugees from Burma. The refugees are entirely dependent on outside support for their food. For 23 years, the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC), of which Church World Service is a founding member, has helped to feed these refugees.

Church World Service is responding to this crisis in two ways: first, working with the TBBC's nine other member agencies from eight countries to stabilize the food rations for the refugees. Second, CWS will be supporting humanitarian efforts in areas of Burma with a high concentration of vulnerable people.

This emergency humanitarian assistance program will consist of the following: CWS-Asia/Pacific will provide a monthly food ration for severely malnourished children; assistance and medical care to HIV/AIDS patients; assistance and medical relief to children suffering from malaria and dengue fever; and enhancing the delivery capacity of local implementing partner staff in Burma (Myanmar). (Read more about this appeal)

Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be made online, sent to your denomination, or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515. Please designate: Burma Appeal (#6994)

Media Contact: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net