news & events
Pakistan
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Armed conflict in Pakistan has driven millions of people from their homes and left many in desperate need of food and water. MRDF is supporting an appeal that will provide relief supplies to thousands of vulnerable people.
The escalation of violence between the Pakistani army and militants has led to an exodus of over 2.4 million from the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan into adjacent districts. Most people are fleeing the fighting with few possessions in a movement that could become the largest displacement of people since Rwanda, according to the UN. Many are staying with relatives or friends, but hundreds of thousands are living in government camps or with complete strangers who are themselves struggling to survive. Half of the displaced are children under 15 years old. The situation has been exacerbated by harsh weather conditions, with temperatures reaching as high as 49C, leading to many people suffering from dehydration.
Through ACT (Action by Churches Together), MRDF supporters can help to provide urgent emergency supplies such as food, water, clothes, mosquito mats to thousands of families. The appeal also aims to provide basic health services and medication to 2,000 people living in two displacement camps.
MRDF Director Kirsty Smith said: ‘So many lives have been uprooted by this ongoing conflict and the sooner we are able to respond, the more chance we have of averting a humanitarian crisis. Although this desperate situation is largely invisible on our TV screens, millions of people are in need of our support.'
Donations to MRDF's appeal for Pakistan can be made by debit or credit card on 020 7224 4814, or by cheque, payable to “MRDF (Pakistan emergency)”, posted to MRDF, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR.
Taxpayers are encouraged to gift aid their donations where possible, adding a value of 28p to every pound they give, at no extra personal cost. |
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