While international media outlets continue to give full attention to the frightening consequences of the precarious security situation in Iraq that has worsened over the past months, humanitarian needs of the local civilian population that has been deeply affected by the protracted instability – seem to be receiving less attention. The fact that most of the relief agencies had to withdraw their staff for safety reasons is not encouraging ordinary Iraqis, dependant on humanitarian handouts, to keep up hope for a better future.

ACT members Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), Diakonie Austria (DA) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have maintained their active presence in Iraq even after the security situation further deteriorated in the beginning of this year. Taking security precautions, they have managed, albeit slowly due to many obstacles, to reach out to the most vulnerable of the population.

Following on completion of an extended humanitarian assistance program under the ACT appeal MEIQ-31, our local member in the Middle East and Iraq – the Middle East Council of Churches – is joining the 2004 ACT appeal for Iraq. MECC aims at continuing to respond to life-sustaining needs of the local communities in Iraq that have been ‘under fire’ for a long period of time and the refugee camps in the deserts of so-called ‘no man’s land’ at the border with Jordan. The focus remains on repair and rehabilitation of hospitals and schools, provision of supplementary food for the hospital patients and provision of monthly food and non-food rations to the refugees in Jordan.

For sake of brevity, this revision includes MECC’s project proposal only. For project proposals of other ACT members, please refer to the first ACT appeal MEIQ-41.

Project Completion Date:

MECC - 31 January 2005
IOCC - 31 December 2004
NCA - 31 December 2004
Diakonie Austria - 31 May 2004 (extension requested until September 2004)

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested

Mieke Weeda
Acting Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office