Latest news with #DisasterEmergencyCommittee
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Myanmar appeal raises £7.5 million on day one with donations from King and Queen
The King and Queen are among those who have donated to the UK's Disaster Emergency Committee's (DEC) appeal to help people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. The appeal raised £7.5 million on the first day and donations from the public are still being matched pound for pound by the UK government up to £5 million, as part of its UK Aid Match scheme. Made up of 15 UK aid agencies – including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children – the DEC issued an urgent appeal for funds to help the thousands injured and displaced. The DEC said the current appeal total includes a 'generous' donation from Charles and Camilla, who are regular supporters of DEC appeals. More than 3,100 people have died so far in Myanmar and more than 4,500 have been injured, according to the leaders of Myanmar's military government. The DEC's latest fundraising announcement comes after television and radio appeals aired on Thursday calling for support. Saleh Saeed, chief executive of the DEC, said: 'We are extremely grateful to all the people who have already donated to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. 'Once again, the UK public have shown their immense generosity and desire to help those impacted by disasters. 'The stories we are now hearing from the survivors who have managed to escape the ruins of flattened buildings are harrowing. 'Children have lost their families. Thousands have suffered life-changing injuries. Countless more have had their homes and possessions destroyed. 'Life-saving aid is already being delivered by member charities using funds donated to the DEC. But we can reach more people, families and children with your donations. If you are able – please help.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
King and Queen give ‘generous' donation to UK's Myanmar earthquake appeal
The King and Queen are among those who have donated to the UK's Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal to help people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. The appeal raised £7.5 million on the first day and donations from the public are being matched pound for pound by the UK Government up to £5 million, as part of its UK Aid Match scheme. Made up of 15 UK aid agencies – including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children – the DEC issued an urgent appeal for funds to help the thousands injured and displaced. The DEC said the total included a 'generous' donation from the King and Queen, who are regular supporters. More than 3,100 people have died so far in Myanmar and more than 4,500 have been injured, according to Myanmar's military government. Saleh Saeed, the chief executive of the DEC, said: 'We are extremely grateful to all the people who have already donated to the DEC Myanmar earthquake appeal. 'Once again, the UK public have shown their immense generosity and desire to help those impacted by disasters. 'The stories we are now hearing from the survivors who have managed to escape the ruins of flattened buildings are harrowing. 'Children have lost their families. Thousands have suffered life-changing injuries. Countless more have had their homes and possessions destroyed. 'Life-saving aid is already being delivered by member charities using funds donated to the DEC. But we can reach more people, families and children with your donations. If you are able – please help.' The earthquake that hit last Friday has exacerbated an existing humanitarian crisis caused by the country's civil war. The UN said on Friday that the military had launched dozens of strikes over the past week, even after the junta joined its opponents on Wednesday in calling a temporary halt to hostilities for relief to be delivered. 'There have been 16 reports, credible reports, of air strikes ongoing in different parts of the country, including areas impacted by the earthquakes, since the ceasefire went into effect on April 2,' James Rodehaver, the head of the UN rights office's Myanmar team, said. It said it had received reports of more than 60 attacks in total carried out by the military since the earthquake. Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, called in a statement for the truce to be honoured by allowing humanitarian and rescue workers immediate and unrestricted access to all those in need. 'I urge a halt to all military operations, and for the focus to be on assisting those impacted by the quake, as well as ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian organisations that are ready to support,' he said. 'I hope this terrible tragedy can be a turning point for the country towards an inclusive political solution.' Min Aung Hlaing, the country's ostracised junta leader, met the prime ministers of India and Thailand at a regional summit called Bimstec in Bangkok on Friday. Shunned by most world leaders since leading a 2021 coup that overthrew an elected government, Gen Hlaing's rare foreign trip exploits a window opened by the earthquake to ramp up diplomacy. On the sidelines of Bimstec, Gen Hlaing had two-way meetings with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Thai premier, and Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister. An Indian foreign ministry spokesman said Mr Modi had called for the truce to be made permanent. 'Political resolution to the conflict is the only way forward, starting with inclusive and credible elections,' Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesman, said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
King and Queen give ‘generous' donation to UK's Myanmar earthquake appeal
The King and Queen are among those who have donated to the UK's Disaster Emergency Committee's (DEC) appeal to help people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. The appeal raised £7.5 million on the first day and donations from the public are still being matched pound for pound by the UK government up to £5 million, as part of its UK Aid Match scheme. Made up of 15 UK aid agencies – including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children – the DEC issued an urgent appeal for funds to help the thousands injured and displaced. The DEC said the total includes a 'generous' donation from the King and Queen, who are regular supporters. More than 3,100 people have died so far in Myanmar and more than 4,500 have been injured, according to the leaders of Myanmar's military government. The DEC's latest fundraising announcement comes after television and radio appeals aired on Thursday calling for support. Saleh Saeed, the chief executive of the DEC, said: 'We are extremely grateful to all the people who have already donated to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. 'Once again, the UK public have shown their immense generosity and desire to help those impacted by disasters. 'The stories we are now hearing from the survivors who have managed to escape the ruins of flattened buildings are harrowing. 'Children have lost their families. Thousands have suffered life-changing injuries. Countless more have had their homes and possessions destroyed. 'Life-saving aid is already being delivered by member charities using funds donated to the DEC. But we can reach more people, families and children with your donations. If you are able – please help.' The earthquake that hit last Friday has exacerbated an existing humanitarian crisis caused by the country's civil war. The UN said on Friday that the military had launched dozens of strikes over the past week, even after the junta joined its opponents on Wednesday in calling a temporary halt to hostilities for relief to be delivered. 'There have been 16 reports, credible reports, of airstrikes ongoing in different parts of the country, including areas impacted by the earthquakes, since the ceasefire went into effect on April 2,' James Rodehaver, the head of the UN rights office's Myanmar team, said. It said it had received reports of more than 60 attacks in total carried out by the military since the earthquake. Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, called in a statement for the truce to be honoured by allowing humanitarian and rescue workers immediate and unrestricted access to all those in need. 'I urge a halt to all military operations, and for the focus to be on assisting those impacted by the quake, as well as ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian organisations that are ready to support,' he said. 'I hope this terrible tragedy can be a turning point for the country towards an inclusive political solution.' The country's ostracised junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met the prime ministers of India and Thailand at a regional summit called Bimstec in Bangkok on Friday. Shunned by most world leaders since leading a 2021 coup that overthrew an elected government, Gen Hlaing's rare foreign trip exploits a window opened by the earthquake to ramp up diplomacy. On the sidelines of Bimstec, Gen Hlaing had two-way meetings with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Thai premier, and Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister. An Indian foreign ministry spokesman said Mr Modi had called for the truce to be made permanent. 'Political resolution to the conflict is the only way forward, starting with inclusive and credible elections,' Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesman, said.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Myanmar appeal raises £7.5 million on day one with donations from King and Queen
The King and Queen are among those who have donated to the UK's Disaster Emergency Committee's (DEC) appeal to help people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. The appeal raised £7.5 million on the first day and donations from the public are still being matched pound for pound by the UK government up to £5 million, as part of its UK Aid Match scheme. Made up of 15 UK aid agencies – including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children – the DEC issued an urgent appeal for funds to help the thousands injured and displaced. The DEC said the current appeal total includes a 'generous' donation from Charles and Camilla, who are regular supporters of DEC appeals. More than 3,100 people have died so far in Myanmar and more than 4,500 have been injured, according to the leaders of Myanmar's military government. The DEC's latest fundraising announcement comes after television and radio appeals aired on Thursday calling for support. The DEC has launched the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal to help those affected by the powerful earthquakes that have caused devastation in Myanmar. Survivors urgently need critical support. Please donate now. — DEC (@decappeal) April 3, 2025 Saleh Saeed, chief executive of the DEC, said: 'We are extremely grateful to all the people who have already donated to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. 'Once again, the UK public have shown their immense generosity and desire to help those impacted by disasters. 'The stories we are now hearing from the survivors who have managed to escape the ruins of flattened buildings are harrowing. 'Children have lost their families. Thousands have suffered life-changing injuries. Countless more have had their homes and possessions destroyed. 'Life-saving aid is already being delivered by member charities using funds donated to the DEC. But we can reach more people, families and children with your donations. If you are able – please help.'
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Ukraine: Supporting Women in Their Economic Activity
Originally posted by . After three years of conflict, loss of livelihood and rising prices are increasingly exposing the Ukrainian population to the risk of impoverishment. Currently, 15% of the population suffers from food insecurity, and women and girls are particularly at risk. In regions close to the front line such as Kherson, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv, unemployment has reached record levels, leaving many families without resources. Women-headed households have multiplied due to the military mobilization of men in Ukraine. Facing obstacles in accessing all kinds of services from health services to financial and economic resources, these women are particularly vulnerable to impoverishment. In addition, economic instability, displacement, and conflict all impact mental health, increasing the risk of gender-based violence. Around 2.5 million people in Ukraine are at high risk of such types of violence, including intimate partner violence, conflict-related sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking, and harassment. To support women's economic activities and promote their financial independence, Action Against Hunger and the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) are supporting the Center for Economic Recovery and Business Support in Mykolaiv. The project is led by a Ukranian organization called Perspektyva, and in it, women-led businesses rebuild the local economy in their conflict-affected area by providing essential goods and services. Maria, Iryna, Victoria, and Olena are among the 45 women who have received training and subsidies to develop their businesses in Mykolaiv near the front line. Maria: 'Finding clientele wasn't easy, but today my schedule is full' Maria has been a manicurist for 8 years. Originally from Kherson, she had to leave her home and take her three children 37 miles north to Mykolaiv as Kherson was, and continues to be, targeted almost every day by airstrikes. Alone with her three little girls, she had to start all over again. After a year of hard work, her nail salon is now going strong. 'I arrived in a new town without knowing anyone. Finding a clientele wasn't easy, but now my schedule is full,' Maria explains with pride. Today, Maria wants to expand her business and take up training, so that she can pass on her knowledge to others. Using a grant from Action Against Hunger, Maria has designed her own training modules and purchased some of the equipment needed to train future manicurists. 'Thanks to the knowledge I gained from the project, I'm now able to calculate my expenses more accurately and plan my purchases, as my business requires constant investment. I also know how to better showcase my services in external communication media, especially on social networks,' explains Maria. Having been displaced by the conflict herself, Maria is well aware of the difficulties faced by others who have had to flee violence. She therefore wants her services to be accessible to all and adjusts her rates for displaced people. Iryna: 'People heal their souls when they come into contact with creativity' Iryna worked in the maritime sector for 30 years. When the war started, she found herself widowed and alone with her two children. Iryna decided to change careers and tap into the desire for creativity that had been with her since childhood. 'I became interested in trashwork, where works are made from garbage, plastic bottles, and natural materials like tree branches. I practiced this type of art for about three years and took part in various fairs, traveling around Ukraine,' says Iryna. Iryna joined the Ukrainian organization Perspektyva as a volunteer. She organized self-help events based on the principles of art therapy. 'I saw that people found it more interesting than just talking; they opened up more. And, as the saying goes, people heal their souls when they do something, when they get in touch with creativity,' she explains. It was then that Iryna discovered the Center for Economic Recovery and Business Support project and decided to join. In addition to business training to draw up a business plan, Iryna has taken a painting course and is working on cutting and the various trashwork techniques. The grant she received from the project enabled her to buy a laptop and furniture for her creative workshop. Soon, she will buy a printer and jewelry-making tools. Iryna would like to collaborate with other Mykolaiv-based artists by inviting them to her studio to give classes. She would also like to continue participating in exhibitions and fairs, as well as sell her products on online sales platforms. Victoria: 'I started my business with a mixer that was lent to me' Born in Mykolaiv, Victoria worked almost all her life in the civil service. When she went on maternity leave, however, she developed a passion for baking. Victoria had to juggle raising her children with her professional activity for many years. 'My children took up a lot of my time, so sometimes I would make my desserts at night. I once spent six hours sculpting Mickey Mouse. It was very beautiful,' she says with amusement. When she started out as a pastry chef, Victoria studied production techniques and recipes on her own. She wasn't able to take part in pastry classes because her children could not be alone for long. 'In the beginning I had no equipment at all. I started my business with a mixer that someone lent me,' explains Victoria. Rather than compete with cafés for customers, Victoria offered her services directly to them. She now receives numerous orders and supplies desserts to several Mykolaiv cafés. In 2023, she rented a space to manufacture her products. 'This premises is close to my home because I want to be near my children at all times in case of air raids'. As part of the support offered by Perspektyva, Action Against Hunger, and DEC, Victoria has benefited from sales training to better manage her business. She bought more equipment to replace the old one, increase her productivity, and become more competitive on the market. Olena: 'I was able to purchase cosmetic equipment that will allow me to expand my range of services' Olena was born in Krasnodon, in the Luhansk region. In 1993, she decided to move to Mykolaiv, where she studied, married and held positions as financial manager and sales director. 7 years ago, Olena decided to retrain and entered the field of aesthetic cosmetology. The building Olena used to work at was destroyed by a missile. 'Fortunately, my cosmetics and furniture were not damaged,' she says. To escape the bombs, Olena went to Bulgaria for two months, then lived in Kyiv for almost 9 months before returning to Mykolaiv at the request of her customers. She rented a studio and resumed her business. She went to the Center for Economic Recovery and Business Support to learn more about business practices. 'I'd like to thank the instructors who accompanied us during the training for their clarity and responsiveness. This new knowledge enabled me to write a business plan and adjust it. I was also able to purchase special cosmetic equipment that will allow me to expand my range of services,' explains Olena. In the future, Olena hopes to open a new studio and hire employees. She dreams of creating her own chain of cosmetics studios. Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
