Longford people ‘unflinching in their support of world’s most vulnerable’

The global humanitarian system is facing significant challenges, according to Seán Farrell from Longford, CEO of Trócaire.

He said the cuts to humanitarian funding across the world are already having huge impacts in the countries where Trócaire works.

Mr Farrell explained, “We are seeing catastrophic deficits in terms of what is needed. We are approaching three years since the start of the latest conflict in Sudan. Sudan today is the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis with 25 million people in need of aid and 12 million having had to flee their homes.

There is widespread acute malnutrition. The funds are just not there at the level that they need to be to support communities coping with this life-threatening situation.”

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The Aughnacliffe native continued, “In Somalia, where Trócaire provides the only healthcare to a region the size of Ireland, our midwives are being put in the devastating position of having to choose who gets treatment as there just aren’t enough resources to cover the need.

"Our team in Lebanon has seen people having to face incredible challenges because of the current conflict there and they are working in the most difficult circumstances.”

He added “The irony is that at the same time that these cuts are implemented by various countries and are impacting on people caught up in conflict, we are seeing a huge increase in military spending by those same countries.

"We need to call out this disgraceful state of affairs. Twice as much is being spent on prolonging the conflict in Sudan as is being spent on life-saving humanitarian aid there.”

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Seán said Trócaire is thankful that Ireland is one country that has maintained its level of overseas aid and the Irish Government has indicated that this commitment will continue.

He outlined, “The funds we receive from Irish Aid are incredibly important. Moreover the people of my home county Longford have been unflinching in their support of the world’s most vulnerable communities and the difference this support has made, and continues to make, is humbling.

“Last year people in the county donated more than €143,000 during Lent and I am issuing a plea to people right across Longford to return this year’s Trócaire Box Appeal donations as quickly as possible so that we can ensure that communities on the brink can get the support they need at this precarious time.

"I would urge people to make their donation at www.trocaire.org or by calling 1800 408 408.”