World Vision NZ Commits NZ$100k For Darfur Victims

14 June 2004
Sudan: World Vision New Zealand commits NZ$100,000 for Darfur victims

World Vision New Zealand today committed $100,000 from relief funds to assist thousands of refugees fleeing western Sudan and is appealing for more funds to bolster aid efforts.

Executive director Helen Green said militias in the west had conducted a campaign of violence against villagers ? burning down homes, raping women, stealing livestock and polluting water points.

"Refugees turning up at the border are traumatised and hungry. Unless we act thousands will die," she said.

Mrs Green said the $100,000 came from World Vision's regular donors who pledged funds for urgent relief needs.

Meanwhile World Vision flew 45 tonnes of relief supplies from its warehouses in Germany to Chad during the weekend to benefit refugees.

The shipment of kitchen-sets, plastic sheeting, water containers, water purification equipment, and other supplies will benefit refugees who have escaped into Chad from Sudan's Darfur province.

The UNHCR estimates 180,000 refugees have crossed the border into Chad.

World Vision relief co-ordinator Paul Sitnam said his team found many refugees had lost the livestock on which their livelihood depended. Others were missing family members, believed killed by militias.

This weekend's airlift arrived in Chad's capital N'Djamena. From there the shipment will be loaded onto trucks and transported 900 kilometres east to Abeche. The trip over rough land takes four days in dry conditions.

World Vision staff worry if it rains there could be lengthy delay.

To donate to World Vision's Sudan refugee appeal phone: 0800 90 10 10

ENDS

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