URGENT APPEAL
TO HELP THE DROUGHT AFFECTED PEOPLE OF ERITREA
According
to the latest UN report, two-thirds of Eritrea's population
is experiencing shortage of food as the country's last two
rainy seasons have failed to produce the necessary water
for food crops and livestock. Other factors include, the
presence of landmines left over from the border conflict
with Ethiopia as displaced Eritreans are unable to return
to their homes to harvest their land.
To address this issue, an Emergency Drought
Relief Committee (EDRC) has been formed on Nov, 07,2002.
EDRC consists of various Eritrean organizations in the Washington
D.C. metropolitan area including HABBO, the National Union
of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS), the National Union
of Eritrean Women (NUEW), and the Eritrean Soccer Federation
(ESF).
Today, not only is Eritrea lacking enough
food to feed her people but also faced with different types
of illnesses associated with famine, such as severe malnutrition,
cholera and malaria.
Although international aid is needed to
tackle this problem, and that our government will do its
best to help avert a disaster, we, as concerned Eritreans
find it necessary to take steps to come to the aid of our
people. It is unconscionable to sit back and watch news
of an escalating danger of famine staring at our people
and not be moved to do something positive. The time to act
is now! We all have the morale obligation to put our political
differences aside and come together in unison to avert the
impending peril clouding over our people. EDRC's goal is
to work on various projects to raise funds to assist in
buying grains and to also collect medical supplies to avert
such a disaster.
We are now appealing to you, concerned
Eritreans and friends, to help our people by donating any
amount of funds to intensify our fight against famine. To
start off, the majority of EDRC members have donated $200.00
each to total $6000.00. All collected funds will go to the
people who need it most through the appropriate channels.
Time is running out. Your contribution
of any amount will make a difference in saving the lives
of so many Eritreans,young and old that are awaiting our
help.
No amount is too small,
please fill out a pledge form and send your donation.
Please make checks and/or money orders payable to Embassy
of Eritrea and mail to:
EDRC
P.O.Box 4216
Arlington, VA 22204
Thank you.
The Emergency Drought Relief Committee
Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area
