 |  |
 |
| |
|
Press contacts:
Georgia conflict: World Vision calling for ceasefire, protection of civilians
“Thousands of civilians are in harm’s way right now, including women and children,” warned David Womble, World Vision’s national director for Georgia. “The U.N. Security Council must make this matter a priority, and help broker an immediate ceasefire between the parties. If fighting continues, thousands of families will be forced to flee, and we could be faced with a humanitarian crisis.” To avoid any further civilian casualties and suffering, World Vision is calling for the following:
“We’re hearing reports that the entire water supply to Tskhinvali has been shut off. Potable water is the number-one humanitarian need right now for the city and surrounding areas,” said Womble. World Vision has a small amount of pre-positioned emergency supplies in Georgia and is poised to assist people fleeing south. The agency also has programs in the Russian Federation’s North Ossetia region, which borders the conflict zone, and is preparing for an influx of displaced people to the north as well. The Christian aid agency has worked in Georgia since 1994, focusing on community development and the needs of children in difficult circumstances. Current programs include microfinance for poor entrepreneurs, support for street children and children with disabilities, food for work, HIV and AIDS prevention and assistance for returning migrant workers. World Vision does not have current programs in South Ossetia but assists more than 15,000 children in Abkhazia, another breakaway region of Georgia. The agency’s 155 staff in Georgia are accounted for and safe at the present time. World Vision also has worked in the North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation since 1995, including peacebuilding and economic recovery projects in North Ossetia. END To speak with World Vision staff in Georgia or for more information, please contact Rachel Wolff at 253.394.2214 or Rwolff@worldvision.org. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press. | Who Is World Vision? World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.. Media Contacts
| ||||||||||
© 2012 World Vision Inc. | Site Search : Sitemap : Privacy / Security : Contact Info : Careers : Spanish : Korean : FAQs : Links : Donor Service | ||||||||||
