ActionAid plans relief and recovery work in Gaza

Relief Web
Jan 23, 2009

ActionAid is aiming to spend up to £1 million on a program of relief and recovery work in Gaza, using funds raised by ActionAid appeal and the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The DEC launched an appeal yesterday to help thousands of people whose lives have been shattered by the recent conflict.

ActionAid's emergencies advisor for Asia, Dr PV Unnikrishnan, said: "We will provide daily necessities such as warm clothes and hygiene kits. But people also have emotional and psychological needs. ActionAid has expertise in helping people recover after terrible experiences, and that will be an important part of our work in Gaza."

The programme will be implemented by ActionAid's partner Austcare, working with local community-based organisations. ActionAid will provide both funding and technical support. Like all aid work in Gaza, it will depend on staff and supplies gaining access to the territory. This has been difficult since Israelimposed a blockade 18 months ago.

Cash-for-work reconstruction programs will help people return to a more dignified and normal life, with adults earning a living again and children going to school. ActionAid's partner Asala estimates that it needs US $200,000 to repair the damaged businesses of the women it helps in the Gaza strip.

ActionAid's UK director Richard Miller said: "The humanitarian need and the challenge of reconstruction in Gaza are huge. Now people can do something to help. We urge people to give generously either to the DEC Gaza Crisis appeal or to ActionAid's own appeal."

ENDS

Media contacts:

1. Tony Durham, +44 (0)20 7561 7636, m +44 (0)7872 378251, tony.durham@actionaid.org

2. Anjali Kwatra, +44 (0)20 7561 7633, m + 44 (0)7941 371357, anjali.kwatra@actionaid.org

3. Jane Moyo, +44 (0)20 7561 7614, m +44 (0)7734 023347, jane.moyo@actionaid.org

Notes to editors:

1. The DEC consists of: ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.

2. The Palestinian Ministry of Heath (MOH) has reported 1,314 Palestinian fatalities since 27 December 2008. This is noted in the Situation Report on the Humanitarian Situation in the Gaza Strip – No.14, 19 January 2009 (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs).

ActionAid works to end global poverty and injustice www.actionaidusa.org