international

During the brutal Indonesian occupation of 1975-1999, Timor-Leste suffered one of the worst cases of genocide in modern history.  It is estimated that up to one-third of the population died as a result of human rights abuses, starvation or disease.  It is estimated that up to one-third of the population died as a result of human rights abuses, starvation or disease. Tragically, most of those responsible have never been brought to justice. Families all over the country continue to mourn loved ones who disappeared.

Two years ago, Cyclone Nargis struck the southern coastal areas of Burma, leaving more than 140,000 dead and 2.5 million destitute.

Since the terrible night and day of May 2 and 3, 2008, grassroots groups have remained the main players in delivering aid and supporting communities to get back to a normal life.

Like in any major emergency, the rural people who survived the terrible onslaught of Nargis were the first to respond. They rescued untold numbers of family and neighbours and found ways to survive before outside help arrived.

As humanitarian agencies working in Somalia for many years, we are deeply concerned about a renewed intensification of the conflict and military action in South/Central Somalia. We are deeply concerned that key stakeholders seem to have given up on working towards a peaceful diplomatic solution. Based upon our experience of supporting people affected by the conflict, we wish to underline the devastating effects that a significant surge in fighting has on the civilian population.

We call upon all parties to the conflict to:

Seventy-two hours after the powerful quake struck, Caritas has already distributed thousands of blankets, lamps, tarps and more to villagers who fled their collapsing homes.

As the eyes of the world fall on Afghanistan for its elections, we take a look at some of the people that we work with there, to discover how they get by and how your money helps make their lives better.

Trócaire is proud to work with some of the most fearless and committed humanitarians in the world.

Close to a quarter of a million men, women and children have arrived in camps in the north of Sri Lanka. They’ve fled months of heavy fighting between government and rebel forces, endured a lack of food and medicine, and witnessed unimaginable suffering.

With Malawians going to the polls tomorrow, May 19, to elect a new president and parliament the race is too close to call.

As the conflict between government troops and the Taliban escalates in the Swat valley of northern Pakistan, the number of displaced people continues to grow.