March 16, 2017
Iraq
Between last December and January this year, Caritas Czech Republic in cooperation with the Polish organization Polish Humanitarian Action and Iraqi RNVDO, managed to distribute 800 packages of humanitarian aid close to Mosul battle lines. Now Caritas Czech Republic is establishing its own branch in Iraq.
The first delivery of food, sanitary items and household articles to Mosul took place on December 14. Another two shipments were delivered this past January. "Mosul is destroyed", said a humanitarian worker taking part in the distribution. "The more we approached the centre, the more destruction we saw. Facades of houses dotted with bullet holes and along the roads piles of ruins and garbage become children's playground. We were able to help three hundred families with the last delivery but many people left empty handed. They asked mostly for a bottle of water or medical examination. Around 40% of the local population suffers from a lack of drinking water because of the destryed water pipes. The city also has to deal with a shortage of food and medical professionals," he adds.
The urgent need for humanitarian aid was caused by the increased fighting in November, which even exacerbated the current crisis in Mosul, especially in its eastern part. Many internally displaced people fled to the liberated districts in the west of the city, where they decided to stay instead of moving to refugee camps. However, since the area was not prepared for the influx of people, it is totally dependent on help from the outside. Not all humanitarian organizations are willing to take a risk however, or have the opportunity to reach the people in need.
"Most international organizations do not get to Mosul, let alone to the edge of the battlefield. We succeeded thanks to our colleagues from the local partner organization RNVDO which can enter Mosul," explains Helena Kotková, the coordinator of Caritas humanitarian aid, who went to Iraq in February to establish a mission. Caritas was registered with the local authorities thanks to her initiative on March 1. "We have been working in the country through our partners since April 2015. The humanitarian aid was being provided first in the provinces of Erbíl and Dohúk and last year we moved into Baghdad. For now, we will run our own branch directly where it is needed.. This will help us increase the volume of assistance and also react faster to current needs," added Helena Kotková.
Stories of Iraqis waiting in queues for humanitarian supplies are full of hopelessness. "I have lost everything. Work, money, property and the woman I loved. She got married as she couldn't wait for me any longer," describes a young man who had worked abroad and came to Mosul the day before ISIS arrived in the city, and was not allowed to leave again.
In the last few months, 5,357 people have received a total assistance amount of USD 44,270 (about CZK 1,133,750. Half of the necessary funds were provided by Caritas Czech Republic. The first delivery went to the districts of Al-Bakir and Gogjali, another two to Al-Qadissyah, Al-Ula, Al-Mishraq, Al-Zuhur or Al-Sheikhkiyyah. Further shipments are planned for April to June 2017, depending on the availability of funds and the needs in the western part of Mosul, to where the frontline is now moving.
Help us in Iraq and contribute any donation to the account number of 55660022/0800 and variable symbol of 180. Or send DMS in a wording of DMS CHARITASVET to 87 777. Each DMS costs CZK 30, of which Caritas Czech Republic will receive CZK 28.50. The service is operated by the Donors Forum.
