The international Caritas organisation
will continue its active presence in Iraq, despite the partial pull-out
of the UN from the country. As of today, the UN is providing humanitarian
assistance to the country mainly from Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
"Caritas will continue to be there
well after the events of the last year have stopped making headlines, in
the same way that Caritas has done in other disaster zones," said
Mr Jack de Groot, National Director of Caritas Australia.
The security situation in Iraq remains serious after two explosions at the UN offices and the deaths of numbers of UN workers in each incident, including the head of the UN operation in Iraq, Mr Sergio Vieria de Mello last month.
The crime rate in Iraq is growing, including looting and robbery incidents involving shooting. A major hospital in Baghdad reports that the number of casualties attended in the emergency unit as a result of these incidents averages 150 per day.
Caritas continues to work to support the Iraq people as they grapple to improve their conditions.
In the time period since the war in Iraq ended, Caritas has begun rehabilitation of primary health care centres and the training of Red Crescent staff in the treatment of malnourished children. It is also continuing to support local organisations as they rebuild infrastructure in Basrah and other areas in Southern Iraq.
Activities conducted by Caritas in the last week include:
- reconstruction of houses
- construction of health centres
- Medical assistance
- Distribution of pharmaceuticals
- Food distribution
- Distribution of bedding Support of schooling
For more information please contact:
Margaret Rice
Communications Coordinator
Work: 02 9923 3422
Mobile: 0417 284 831
Email: media@caritas.org.au
Jack de Groot
National Director
Work: 02 9923 3463