World Vision flew an Ilyushin heavy transport plane into Jordan last week with emergency relief supplies to prepare for a humanitarian response to a looming war in Iraq. The shipment includes three seven-ton trucks and thousands of blankets, collapsible water containers and plastic sheeting for use as temporary shelter.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) anticipates approximately 600,000 refugees will flee Iraq in the event of an armed conflict, and it is preparing to receive 10,000 refugees in Jordan.
World Vision Canada President Dave Toycen stressed that the decision to send supplies does not mean war is inevitable, but the organization is committed to meet emergency needs. "Even now, we desperately hope for a diplomatic solution to this crisis," said Toycen. "At the same time, it would be naive to ignore the terrible possibility of war."
World Vision plans to work in conjunction with the Jordanian Red Crescent and Caritas Jordan to distribute relief supplies to Iraqi refugees. Remaining supplies would be held for relief operations inside Iraq. World Vision also plans to assist refugees fleeing to Syria, Iran and Turkey.
"We must consider the fate of Iraq's 13 million children, those who will lose family members, those who will be injured and traumatized. We will do all we can to give comfort and shelter and hope to these people," stated Toycen.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian relief and development organization active in more than 90 countries, providing help to more than 75 million people each year. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
