CLOSE TO €12 million has been collected in Ireland for emergency aid to the Horn of Africa according to charities marking World Humanitarian Day today.
Hans Zomer, director of Dóchas – an umbrella body of more than 40 Irish aid agencies and development organisations – said the money had been collected through sponsored walks and other activities over six weeks.
“It is wonderful of the Irish people to come and give aid to people who are suffering. It is a phenomenally positive response,” he said.
Charities are hoping funds will continue to be donated, he added.
“The important message is that the needs of the people there are very great and they are likely to grow. The next harvest will be in November, and until then people will have to depend on food aid.”
Mr Zomer stressed how grateful the charities were for the large sum already raised. He said the organisation had a website howyoucanhelp.ie to guide people in donating effectively.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement State aid to the region by the end of July came to nearly €7 million.
Over 12 million people are threatened by famine in the region.
Regional director for aid agency Concern, Angela O’Neill, said the charity had recorded a 62 per cent rise in the number of children seeking treatment in urban centres in Kenya because of drought.
Meanwhile Isabella Rae, senior programmes manger with Gorta, said it was vital to invest in agriculture by aiding small farmers and their families. She was attending a special meeting of the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation in Rome yesterday,
Dóchas is hoping celebrations today will bring more attention to aid workers. Mr Zomer said the profession was often a dangerous one, and people might not realise how many local aid staff worked in areas like Kenya or Somalia.
President Mary McAleese welcomed the celebrations. “Ireland has a long and proud tradition of dedicated humanitarian workers who devote themselves to those who most need help. Throughout the world Irish humanitarian workers can be found offering support to people faced with the enormous challenges posed by hunger, poverty, disease, conflict or natural disaster,” she said in a statement
Concern is holding an open day in Temple Bar, Dublin, today from 11am to 6pm, at the Culture Box.