World Vision Assisting Thousands Fleeing Violence in Mogadishu
Source: World Vision - USA
Agency appeals for $900,000 to assist more than 20,000 displaced civilians
Website: http://www.worldvision.org/press
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Nairobi, Kenya, November 13, 2007--World Vision is coming to the aid of some 20,000 civilians who have fled Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, due to recent fighting. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that 173,000 have fled the conflict-torn city in the last two weeks.
"Thousands from Mogadishu have already reached areas in southern Somalia where we operate," said Graham Davison, World Vision's operations director in Somalia. "Many women and children are arriving with nothing, and require urgent assistance. With fighting continuing in the capital, it is likely these figures may increase in coming weeks."
World Vision is appealing for US $900,000 to meet the immediate needs of internally displaced people (IDPs). The agency's plans to assist more than 20,000 people with plastic sheeting, medicine, water, critical non-food items and psychosocial support.
"We are calling on our donors and the international community to help us respond quickly," appeals Marie Bettings, World Vision's emergency response officer for Somalia. "Children, who constitute more than 46 percent of Somalia's population, bear the brunt of this crisis."
The international aid agencywhich has worked in Somalia since 1992-is also concerned about the impact of ongoing fighting on relief operations.
"There must be unhindered, protected access for humanitarian workers trying to deliver aid in Mogadishu and surrounding areas," Davidson added. "Civilians are in urgent need, and must be reached with aid quickly, wherever they are."
World Vision has been working in Somalia since 1992. Current programs include food aid, supplementary feeding, school feedings, health, education, water, sanitation, advocacy and relief programs. World Vision does not operate in Mogadishu.
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World Vision's Somalia staff is available for interviews. In the U.S., contact Rachel Wolff at 253.394.2214 (cell) or rwolff@worldvision.org. In Nairobi, contact Zeba Mbuvi at 0726-363-615.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
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