Islamic Relief has teamed-up with IOM to distribute thousands of food parcels to people forced from their homes by violence in the Central African Republic (CAR).
Working in the town of Boda, 3,000 foodpacks were distributed to families seeking safety from the conflict, which has displaced about one million people so far.
Six thousand frozen chickens were distributed amongst Muslim and non-Muslim communities, in a country in which 1.6 million people now live in the shadow of hunger. The distribution coincided with Eid celebrations and also saw Muslim communities receiving staple foods – including bread, pasta, canned vegetables and tuna, as well as coffee, tea and sugar.
A second food distribution is set to take place in a few weeks, and will see both Muslim and non-Muslim families receiving chickens and other food items once more.
The EUR 180,000 food project is sponsored by Islamic Relief and supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
A message of peace and solidarity
Islamic Relief aid worker, Nick Jones, told leaders in both Boda communities that the donation is made in solidarity with everyone affected by the crisis.
“Islamic Relief Worldwide, working in partnership with the OIC and IOM, are very pleased to have been able to support both Christian and Muslim communities during this period of intense suffering and loss.
“Ramadan is a time of peace extended to all, and we fully support the efforts of all those working towards peace and alleviating the human suffering caused by the conflict,” he said.
IOM CAR Chief of Mission Giuseppe Loprete said: “This is a symbolic distribution on the occasion of Eid – the end of Ramadan. I am pleased that the operation went smoothly without security concerns. IOM is committed to support the whole community of Boda.”
Islamic Relief is working with partners in CAR and through our programmes in nearby countries to provide vital aid to those affected by the conflict. Our work includes supporting Child Friendly Spaces for thousands of vulnerable children, and we have also assisted refugees living in camps in neighbouring Chad.
With your support, we can continue our work to get vital aid to the people of CAR, and to contribute to inter-faith efforts to secure lasting peace in the country. Please donate to our Appeal for the people of CAR today.
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