UK charities launch Emergency Appeal as crisis deepens in Sudan

18 July 2004 The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Sudan Emergency Appeal launches on Tuesday 20th July with the support of all the major TV and Radio stations. Money raised by the DEC’s 50th appeal is needed to provide emergency aid to thousands of men, women and children who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the violence in Darfur, Sudan. Thousands of refugees are arriving in camps everyday with nothing but what they stand up in. The camps are full to bursting - there are 57,000 people in Kalma Camp, designed to accommodate just 26,000 people. Refugees are sleeping in the open, they are running out of food and drinking water is scarce. While floodwaters from recent rains are washing human and animal waste into water sources raising fears of outbreaks of disease such as cholera and diarrhoea. For people, particularly children, already suffering from malnutrition and dehydration these diseases can kill. The money raised through the DEC appeal will help provide those fleeing the violence in Sudan and eastern Chad with shelter, clean water and sanitation. It will also provide emergency food aid and basic items such as water buckets, blankets and soap. Brendan Gormley, the DEC’s Chief Executive said: “This is the worst humanitarian crisis facing the world today. We know that the British public, when they know something can be done, are hugely generous and will respond massively to help the suffering Sudanese in this desperate situation.”

Notes to Editors: The DEC charities benefiting from the Sudan Emergency are: British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision. To make a donation or find out more information about the DEC visit our website at www.dec.org.uk phone 0870 60 60 900 or send a cheque/postal order to made payable to the : DEC Sudan Emergency, PO BOX 999, London EC3.

Media Enquiries: DEC: 020 7387 0200 or mobile 07940 824 444 CARE: Kate Bulbulian Tel: +44 (0) 207 934 9347, Mob: +44 (0) 7766 051 925 email: