Islamic Relief’s Imran Madden reports on his visit to Central African Republic (CAR), where we are helping vulnerable people whose lives have been torn apart by conflict.
On 26 April, I arrived in CAR. Already one of the world’s poorest countries, CAR has been ripped apart by devastating violence. Hundreds of people have died and one million have fled their homes as a result of the conflict.
The most pressing needs of Central Africans include food, water, shelter and sanitation and hygiene facilities. Vulnerable communities – particularly those trapped in enclaves in the south and south west – require particular support. I met with representatives from Caritas, a humanitarian organisation that is delivering much-needed interventions in food security, shelter, health and livelihoods.
Longer-term, they need well-supported and well-funded peace-building initiatives, including working with communities to promote conflict resolution. We heard about peace-building already underway from Catholic Relief Services. Focussing on de-escalating violence, their programmes include social cohesion and training community leaders of all faiths.
At Islamic Relief, we are determined to do what we can not only to provide life-saving humanitarian aid to those who need it most. We also believe we have a role in contributing to long-term solutions to the widespread poverty and suffering here. This was top of the agenda during our meeting with the Inter-Faith delegation in Bangui.
Your help is needed by vulnerable people who remain in CAR, and those who have fled the country. With your support, Islamic Relief can deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to ease the suffering. We can also work with inter-faith initiatives to bring about peace and give communities a brighter future. Please donate to our Appeal for the People of CAR today.