26 July 2006

Caritas Calls for Secure humanitarian Access routes

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is calling for guaranteed protected humanitarian corridors to be set up by both sides in the Middle East conflict.

"There is an urgent need for secure humanitarian corridors to protect convoys as they try to bring food and relief items to the affected areas," says Caritas Director Michael Smith.
Caritas agencies in the region report that food and relief convoys are under threat and in some cases bombed and fired at.

"It is vital that humanitarian convoys are protected as they travel within the affected areas," says Michael Smith. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is pledging $20,000 towards those affected by the Middle East crisis. The money will be channelled directly through Caritas agencies in the region. Caritas agencies are providing emergency assistance to people in temporary shelters, and providing food, clothing, bedding and household items to those displaced by the conflict.

Caritas is accepting donations to assist the victims of the current Middle East crisis. Donations can be made via:

* Phone: 0800 22 10 22
* Post: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Thorndon * Wellington 6144, NEW ZEALAND.
* Online: http://www.caritas.org.nz/donations.php

ENDS

© Scoop Media