Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to people displaced by ongoing violence and unrest in the Darfur region of Sudan. The conflict, which began in 2003, has intensified as armed rebels called Janjaweed continue to destroy villages. In recent months, militias have driven more than 55,000 people from their homes in South Darfur. An estimated 400,000 people have died from violence, disease and hunger. Two million have been left homeless.
Episcopal Relief and Development is working with partners in Action by Churches Together (ACT) to provide basic supplies such as blankets, sleeping mats, and watering cans to 35 locations in South and West Darfur. The support will also help provide water and build sanitation facilities to prevent the outbreak of disease.
“The situation is dire. Immediate action is needed to prevent more deaths and suffering,” said Janette O’Neill, ERD’s Program Director for Africa. ERD has been working with the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the Sudan Development and Relief Agency to begin rebuilding communities and provide skills training as well as other programs in the areas of food security and primary health care.
To make a contribution to help people affected by this crisis, donate to the Sudan Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, designated for Sudan Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
