World Vision calls for new approach to respond to protracted conflicts

The massive funding shortfall affecting international aid organisations and others responding to various conflicts around the world will come into the spotlight when World Vision UK hosts its annual fringe event at the Labour Party Conference today.

A specialist panel of four chaired by prominent political journalist and blogger, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, is expected to discuss challenges affecting INGOs and charities responding to various protracted crises.

Gavin Crowden, World Vision UK’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs said: “While much of the focus on the current refugee crisis has been on the Syrian conflict, fighting in South Sudan, Central Africa Republic, Iraq, Yemen and other countries has stretched the limits of our ability to respond. That the UN appeal for the Syrian crisis has only been 37-per-cent funded is a reflection of the challenges we face in responding to various protracted crises. And it's children who are being hit hardest.

“Even as the global goals for development were being agreed by governments in New York including on peace and security, humanitarian needs on the ground are not being matched by the funding and political will required. Aid agencies alone cannot respond to the growing number of humanitarian crises worldwide and we need to have a discussion on how we can address these challenges. Our fringe event is an opportunity to dissect some of these issues and develop coherent and long-term plans to address to the current shortcomings,” Crowden added.

Also expected on the panel of the World Vision fringe event are former shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Mary Creagh MP, Patricia Mouamar, a communications specialist for World Vision Lebanon and Imran Madden, the UK director for the charity, Islamic Relief.

Creagh said: “I recently visited the Middle East where I experienced the front-line of the refugee crisis. Britain has a proud history of giving sanctuary to people fleeing persecution, and we must now honour that legacy. The UK has a responsibility to offer support – including taking some of the refugees who are already in southern and eastern Europe. We need to urgently bring together local authorities, INGOs and donor governments to develop coherent and long-term plans to address this crisis.”

The World Vision UK fringe event entitled “From Syria to Somalia: What's it like to live and work in a forgotten crisis and why doesn't the world seem to care?” will take place at the Global Development Hub today, Monday 28th September, 12:45-14:15.

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For MEDIA, please contact Henry Makiwa 07877499038 or Brenda Yu 07786333784.