DEC launches Congo (DR) crisis appeal

UK aid agencies have today launched an emergency appeal to the public for funds to help people affected by the recent upsurge of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes to escape the fighting in recent weeks, adding to more than one million already displaced as result of the conflict.

Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive of The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which co-ordinates the public appeal of 13 UK charities, said: "Our member agencies are already reaching several hundred thousand people, but the need is overwhelming and increasing. We have got to do more and now, more than ever, we need the UK public to show their generosity."

The crisis appeal will be open for donations until the end May 2009. All appeal money received within the six months from the start of the appeal is restricted to the purpose of that appeal and would not be transferred. Any money received after that six months is credited to the next appeal fund.

www.dec.org.uk