Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is profoundly concerned about the famine in South Sudan, and the humanitarian crises in Somalia, Yemen, and Nigeria. The situation is also very troubling in certain neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, and Niger.
The new UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, declared in February that 20 million people could die within the next six months in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Nigeria. Climate change resulting in severe droughts in addition to armed conflicts in these regions, are the primary causes of this humanitarian crisis, making transportation and access to food very difficult.
Development and Peace is currently conducting its Share Lent Campaign, enabling the organization to raise the funds needed to provide support both in immediate emergency situations and for long-term structural development activities in countries weakened by conflict, overexploitation of resources, and climate change.
In order to respond to the humanitarian crisis threatening the lives of millions of people in Africa, Development and Peace is immediately releasing the sum of $250,000, which will be used to support our partners working with populations threatened by famine. From this sum, $75,000 will be used to meet needs in northeastern Nigeria, $125,000 in South Sudan, and $50,000 in Somalia. We are working closely with our local partners and the Caritas organizations of the region in order to assess the needs and assistance that can be provided in the weeks ahead.
While emergency needs are proliferating, UNICEF reminds us that 1.5 million children suffer from malnutrition and that the situation will worsen in the weeks to come if nothing is done to help them. We therefore appeal once again to your great generosity in order to act alongside our sisters and brothers in the Global South.
By donating now to Development and Peace, you ensure that our partners can continue their work. Your generous contribution enables us to channel aid to the most vulnerable populations in order to provide them with the food and basic healthcare that they so desperately need to overcome this humanitarian crisis that threatens the lives of millions of women, men, and children.
Let’s show our solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Africa in this difficult period.
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada has been active in the region for a number of years, with the goal of meeting humanitarian needs and finding long-term solutions to these endemic crises. Click here to learn more about the actions we are taking alongside our partners.