Contents: UU World Back Issue

Supporting Relief Efforts

 

For those interested in supporting relief efforts in Iraq, the following organizations are accepting donations. Visit their Web sites for updates on the status of their work.

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is a voluntary, nonsectarian organization dedicated to furthering human rights in the U.S. and abroad. The independent organization is an associate member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. UUSC has raised about $55,000 for Iraq and is using the money largely to support two organizations assisting Iraqi women and children, Women for Women International and All Our Children, both described below.

All Our Children, a consortium of North American humanitarian organizations, aims to provide critical health care to the children of Iraq. Projects include making repairs to the Baghdad water system, providing children's hospital beds, supplying fresh food to an orphanage, distributing hygiene kits, and buying medical supplies and equipment. Donations can be made to the consortium's supporting organizations.

American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world. Founded by Quakers in 1917, AFSC is providing material aid to nearly 4,000 people forced to live in squatters' camps in Baghdad. AFSC has supplied shoes, cooking fuel, hygiene kits, and medicine, along with shovels, brooms, and wheelbarrows to help camp residents clear away debris.

International Rescue Committee is among the world's largest nonprofit, nonsectarian, voluntary agencies providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. IRC's work includes restoring water treatment plants and village water networks, rehabilitating damaged health clinics, training primary health care staff, supporting internally displaced persons, and restoring school sanitation systems.

Adopt-a-Minefield and
Mines Advisory Group specialize in the removal of landmines worldwide. In partnership with the UN and Handicap International Belgium, both have established a special six-month appeal in response to the urgent need in Iraq. At least 85 percent of the villages in the north of Iraq have mined areas adding up to 625 square miles in more than 1,100 communities.

Women for Women International was founded in 1993 to help women overcome the devastation of war by helping them rebuild their lives, families, and communities. Through a tiered program that begins with direct financial and emotional support, Women for Women International promotes awareness of women's rights, offers vocational and business skills training, and provides access to income-generation support and affordable microcredit loans.


 Contents: UU World Back Issue
: 36


Unitarian Universalist Association | 25 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02108 | 617-742-2100
Copyright © 2002-2004 Unitarian Universalist Association | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Search Our Site | Site Map