Millions of people around the world have donated money to the major disaster relief networks such as the Disasters Emergency Committee (http://www.dec.org.uk/). DEC reports that more than two million people in Britain have collectively donated a total of more than £200 million to their appeal.
But while immediate disaster relief is vital to responding to the initial consequences of the tsunami, Peace News would like to draw your attention to the many small, local projects which have suffered immensely – and which are unlikely to receive much mainstream support.
Here we highlight six groups and networks who are working on peace, nonviolence or conflict transformation projects, or who represent genuine grassroots attempts at community rebuilding.
Please consider giving to their appeals. Thankyou.
l ETAN (East Timor and Aceh) http://www.etan.org/action/action2/23alert.htm
l Nonviolence International (work across region) http://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/
l Indian WRI section Swadhinahttp://www.swadhina.org/latest.htm
l Nonviolent Peaceforce (Sri Lanka)http://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/english/help/donation.asp
l Sri Lankan WRI affiliate Non-Violent Direct Action Group have requested support for two welfare centres they have taken responsibility for, in which 400 displaced families are housed. Donations can be sent to: Nonviolent Direct Action Group, CA1763, People’s Bank, Chavakachcheri (email for information regarding currencies accepted nvdag@rediffmail.com).
l Via Campesina has requested donations to provide assistance to affected communities of fisherfolk and peasants, for their “own relief and reconstruction efforts, through grassroots organisations”. http://www.viacampesina.org/art_english.php3?id_article=500. Donations from within Eurozone can be made by transfer using IBAN ES23 3035 0022 4202 2005 5606
