International Development Secretary hails Scottish charity efforts
Justine Greening visited Glasgow-based charity the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund.
The efforts of Scottish charities are a key part of the UK’s humanitarian response to the crisis in Syria, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said today.
Ms Greening visited Glasgow-based charity the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) which has launched an emergency appeal to help Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. They have raised more than £400,000 from donors which is helping to provide hygiene kits, blankets, stoves, shelter, healthcare and housing for thousands of refugees who have fled to escape the conflict.
Justine Greening said:
The crisis in Syria has reached catastrophic proportions, which is why the UK has launched its biggest ever humanitarian response. Crucially, it has been a team effort across our whole country to make sure those who have lost everything get the help that they need.
The important work I have seen at SCIAF will make a huge difference to thousands of people struggling to survive. The efforts of charities across Scotland are central to our message to the Syrian people and their neighbours that they can count on the continuing support from all parts of the UK.
SCIAF is also delivering programmes on behalf of DFID helping to improve the income, assets and food security of 3,200 women affected by conflict and poverty in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, and the lives of 6,500 disabled people in South Sudan.
SCIAF’s Head of International Programmes Lorraine Currie said:
The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the greatest humanitarian challenges of our time. We are grateful to Justine Greening, the Secretary of State for International Development, for taking time to visit our offices to learn more about our response to the terrible situation in Syria and the wider region. Through the global Caritas network of Catholic agencies, and as a result of the overwhelming donations from people across Scotland, SCIAF has been able to provide life-saving support and resources where they are needed most in Lebanon and Jordan.
We were also able to discuss with the Secretary of State our relationship with DFID which over many years has helped SCIAF support some of the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world build a better life for themselves and their families. Our latest grant from DFID, which is also backed by generous donations from people and parishes across Scotland, will help thousands of people affected by conflict and poverty in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
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