Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to assess the critical needs of people in western Sudan following increasing violence and unrest in the region. Thousands of people have died and more than half a million have fled their homes since fighting began in 2003 in western and northern Darfur. Many internally displaced people are without food and shelter and seek refuge near and across the border into neighboring Chad.
"So many have been slaughtered, hundreds of villages in Darfur have been burned and water sources destroyed," said the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph B. H. Marona, Archbishop of Sudan. "The Episcopal Church of Sudan has a duty to respond to this humanitarian catastrophe," he said.
On behalf of the Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief and Development has advanced initial emergency funds to the Diocese of El Obeid to assess the needs of displaced people in and around the town of El Farshar. The diocesan-relief team will determine the best ways to distribute food, basic medicines, water, blankets, and supplies for temporary shelter. ERD will assist the diocese in reaching the most vulnerable people who are not receiving aid.
ERD will continue to monitoring the situation in Sudan and work with the Diocese to provide additional assistance to children, women, the elderly, and other vulnerable people.
To make a contribution and help people in Sudan, donate to the Africa Relief Fund online at www.er-d.org or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Africa Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
Episcopal Relief and Development is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance in times of disaster, rebuilds devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over, and offers long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives.
