- You could give a gift that will really help people in and from conflict zones.
- You could give a donation to a ‘peace organisation’.
“Civilians, particularly women and children, account for the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict.” UN Security Council Resolution 1325, 2000.
In our vigils on 15 and 22 December we urge you to donate to the following registered charities:
MSF
Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Congo, Sudan, and many other countries: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid in more than 60 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters or exclusion from healthcare. <www.msf.org.uk>
Yemen Crisis Appeal – British Red Cross:
More than 370,000 people have been killed in Yemen’s war and over three million people have been forced to flee their homes. The UK sold arms to Saudi Arabia, who then used them in the Yemen. UK Govt policy was – and still is – wrong, and Women in Black always said so, and asks you to say so too. However, the immediate humanitarian issue is that over 10 million people are currently on the verge of starvation, 24.1 million people are in need and children are dying from malnutrition. Also 2.5 million cholera cases. And now the corona virus.
< https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/yemen-crisis-appeal>
MEDACT:
Medact speaks out for countless people across the globe whose health, well-being and access to proper health care are at risk from war, poverty and environmental damage. <www.medact.org>
Saferworld:
“Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with local people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe that everyone should be able to lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from insecurity and violent conflict.” <http://www.saferworld.co.uk/>
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom:
WILPF is an international Non Governmental Organization with sections in 40 countries as well as offices in Geneva and New York based at the United Nations. Since 1915, WILPF has brought women from across the world together. They share a vision of peace by non-violent means, promoting justice for all. In the UK, WILPF members work in branches or as individuals, offering a feminist perspective to building peace. They lobby and challenge government, explore root causes of conflict and mobilise women in preventing war and building peace. http://www.ukwilpf.org/wilpf/wilpf-charitable-trust
And make a New Year resolution: get organised! Join the Campaign Against Arms Trade
The world spent $1.917 trillion on the military in 2019, just over 2.2% of global GDP. This massive business has a devastating impact on human rights and well-being. It reinforces a militaristic approach to international problems. Work with CAAT to reduce and end UK arms manufacture and export <www.caat.org.uk>