The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Lurma Rackley,Public Relations Director,Phone: +1.404.979.9450 (Atlanta),Mobile: +1.404.394.8298,E-mail:,lrackley@care.org

CARE Ramps Up Response in Sri Lanka

Thousands flee conflict, arrive at camps hungry

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka

CARE
is providing lifesaving food, emergency supplies and shelter to
thousands of people who have escaped the conflict in northern Sri
Lanka. Survivors are dehydrated, hungry and exhausted after being
trapped for months.

As many as 70,000 people have
managed to escape the conflict zone since April 20, according to the
Sri Lankan government. People are fleeing by boat and on land, taking
refuge in camps set up by Sri Lanka as the country's army makes its
final push against the Tamil Tigers, or LTTE.

CARE is
coordinating with the government of Sri Lanka and other aid agencies to
provide food and emergency supplies. But with tens of thousands more
people escaping the conflict zone, the flow of assistance needs to
increase.

CARE staffers are helping the United Nations erect
tents for nearly 30,000 displaced people and completing emergency
shelters and latrines for an another 3,000. The humanitarian
organization also is: providing hot meals, emergency supplies and
hygiene kits; building stands for fresh drinking water tanks in the
camps; and distributing materials for mothers with infants.

As
the flow of survivors increases, CARE is issuing an appeal for funds to
provide enough food, emergency supplies, shelter, water and sanitation
outside the conflict zone.

CARE calls for the LTTE to allow
civilians safe passage out of the conflict zone. Survivors must have
access to humanitarian aid.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.