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Pakistan – helping flood victims in the long term
5 August 2010
Pakistan is suffering from devastating floods - the worst in living memory. Millions have been affected and more than 1,500 people have been killed. The situation is changing all of the time; for more information see http://ochaonline.un.org/ and the work of our members.
It is hard to predict disasters like this, but it is not difficult to prepare local communities for them. Civil society has the expertise and contacts, but needs help from the Government and the international community before and after a disaster. The Humanitarian Forum Indonesia, for example, is developing tools, building networks and providing training to do just this (http://www.humanitarianforum.org/countries.php?action=view&id=4).
We all need to do more to stop suffering – to give more time and money and ideas. Many donors in the Gulf states want to help but cannot. Rules stop many humanitarian organisations from transferring (and sometimes even raising) money in the Gulf. This doesn't stop charitable giving - the human will to help is too strong - but it means that less money is given to accountable, recognized organizations.
Ramadan is approaching. The Humanitarian Forum advocates for Muslims to be able to give their zakat safely and for those in need to be given the best humanitarian assistance possible.
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