HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

28/07/2006

CANADIAN AID AGENCIES CALL FOR SAFE PASSAGE IN MIDDLE EAST July 28, 2006 – Prime Minister Stephen Harper must demand the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors and must promote the security of relief workers to ensure the delivery of desperately needed aid in the Middle East, four of Canada’s leading aid organizations said today.

The HUMANITARIAN COALITION, a partnering of CARE Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Oxfam Canada and Save the Children Canada, is asking Canada to help prevent civilian suffering on all sides of the Middle Eastern conflict by advocating a safe and continuous passage for humanitarian supplies. Food, water and medical supplies must not only be allowed to reach the ports, they must also be permitted to reach vulnerable communities by land or by air. "We are facing a humanitarian crisis that is getting worse every day," said Kevin McCort, Senior Vice-President of CARE Canada. "Hundreds of thousands of people need food, water and other basic supplies, but aid groups are struggling to reach the most vulnerable because of roads are impassable and NGO staff security cannot be guaranteed." "There have been promises that humanitarian corridors will be established, but we need immediate action and assurance," said Michel Verret, Acting Executive Director, Oxfam-Québec. "Canada must insist on a safe passage for humanitarian supplies and aid workers in the Middle East." THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION partners are actively working in Lebanon, West Bank/Gaza, Israel, Syria and Jordan, but are experiencing challenges distributing aid in many regions because of destroyed roads and ongoing attacks. While all staff members of the organizations are reported to be safe, several projects in West Bank Gaza, including 50 CARE supported greenhouses and one of Save the Children’s playgrounds, have been severely damaged or destroyed in attacks. Where access is possible, the members are distributing a variety of emergency supplies, including food, water, shelter materials, blankets and diapers. While access has been possible in Gaza, NGOs are being overwhelmed by a growing demand for aid from the 1.4 million people who are trapped and are unable to flee the hostilities. In Lebanon, where access is difficult, approximately 600,000 people have been forced from their homes due to violence. "Relief workers must be allowed to enter in safety to help civilians who have been caught up in the violence," said Robert Fox, Executive Director of Oxfam Canada. "The more international pressure placed on the conflicting parties, the sooner we will see action." "The suffering will increase if these conditions continue much longer," said Colleen Malone, Program Manager of Child Protection in Emergencies at Save the Children Canada. "A humanitarian corridor is necessary to bring life-saving supplies to the families and the children who are facing dire conditions across the entire region." The conflict is also forcing many people to flee into bordering countries. Approximately 300,000 refugees are seeking shelter in Syria. In West Bank/Gaza, the influx of refugees is creating immense pressure on existing refugee camps, forcing them to house up to 16 people in one room. Members of THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION are continuing relief work on the ground and are conducting assessments throughout the region to determine growing needs. ABOUT THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION The Humanitarian Coalition is a partnering among CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, and Save the Children Canada to create a more efficient and effective way of providing help to the Middle East. For more information on THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION, or to make a donation, log onto http://www.humanitariancoalition.ca To arrange media interviews, please contact: Carol Tisshaw Media relations Save the Children Canada Tel: 416.221.5501 Ext. 305 Cell: 416-346-1310 Robert Fox Executive Director Oxfam Canada Tel: 613 237 5236 Ext. 221 Marie Devers Media relations Oxfam-Québec Tel:1.514.382.7922 Ext. 237 Cell: 514.513.0013 Andrea Lanthier-Seymour Media relations CARE Canada Tel: 613.228.5678 Cell: 613.799.7562