Darfur and Chad Appeal
DEC's appeal has now closed having raised £13.6 million. Ongoing conflict in the areas of Darfur and Chad has now affected over 4.5 million people, and the scale of suffering is increasing.
Since violence between the government and rebels in Darfur started in 2003, two million people have fled their homes.
The situation is now in its fifth year, with people continuing to flee from the violence and joining vast, overcrowded camps.
Malnutrition levels are rising and extreme weather conditions are making aid delivery more difficult. The overcrowded camps and torrential rains increase the risk of disease such as malaria and cholera, as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Resources such as food, water and shelter materials are already stretched and continue to be so as more and more people flee to the camps.
Humanitarian workers have been attacked, causing agencies to withdraw in some areas. The deterioration of security is making aid work more difficult. Despite the risks, the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) member agencies are working in the camps providing clean safe water, improving sanitation to prevent the spread of disease and distributing food and shelter materials.
Brendan Gormley, chief executive of the DEC, said: “We are seeing one of the greatest concentrations of human suffering right now in Darfur and Chad and the impending rains will make the situation even worse. The money raised by the British public in 2004 saved thousands of lives and we desperately need your help again.
“We have been keeping people alive, but access is already severely hampered by conflict and the rains will make it much harder for us to respond if we don't act now.
“The fact that the UK’s leading agencies have come together to appeal shows the severity of the situation. Charities are working tirelessly in the region. With your help, they can literally save thousands more lives. We need to act urgently - please do give generously.”
Money raised by this appeal will help people affected by the conflict, giving shelter, clean water, sanitation, emergency food and vital items such as water buckets, blankets and soap. It will enable medical teams to provide emergency care.
For news and press releases on the Darfur and Chad Appeal visit the Darfur and Chad Press Centre. You can also watch the DEC's Darfur & Chad appeal featuring Joanna Lumley (please note - this appeal has now closed).