In South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, drought and conflict left almost 23 million people in urgent need of food, water and medical treatment by March 2017, when the DEC launched its appeal. While relief assistance in 2017 has been providing a life-line to people and communities in these four countries, preventing a rapid deterioration of the humanitarian crisis, persistent drought and ongoing fighting continue to affect the lives of millions. A sustained, and in places, increased relief effort is needed into 2018 to protect livelihoods and prevent loss of life.

More than a thousand children alone and at risk in Bangladesh camps, warns DEC

Emma Thompson makes a personal plea for help

DEC member charities are calling for urgent funding to help reach more than a thousand children who are alone and at risk after fleeing violence in Myanmar and crossing into neighbouring Bangladesh.

People in the UK are being urged to donate to the emergency appeal for people fleeing Myanmar after the Government pledged to match pound for pound a further £2m of donations from the public, in addition to the £3m already announced.

The announcement of additional funding for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) emergency appeal was made by Priti Patel, the Secretary of State for International Development, during a visit to DEC headquarters in central London earlier today (Thursday 12 October).

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

Displaced children arriving in Bangladesh are exhibiting signs of trauma such as nightmares and loss of speech after witnessing horrific violence in Myanmar and are in urgent need of psychological and emotional support say Disasters Emergency Committee charities.

As well as providing food, water and shelter to more than half a million mainly Rohingya people, DEC member charities have identified psychological and emotional support services as a critical need.

The Disasters Emergency Committee has raised more than £7 million for people fleeing Myanmar, as well as the overstretched communities hosting them in Bangladesh. The appeal launched on Wednesday (4 October).

Of the amount raised so far, £2.7 million has been provided by UK aid, pledged by the British Government, to make public donations go further.

The thirteen DEC member charities are already on the ground in Bangladesh providing temporary shelter, emergency healthcare, food, clean drinking water and sanitation services, such as latrines and hygiene kits.