06/16/2008

"For one and a half months, we lived under a tree with seven other families."

Just last week, at a refugee camp in eastern Chad, Refugees International staff members Mpako Foaleng and Erin Weir interviewed a Darfuri woman who fled her home with her four children after a brutal attack. Her aunt was killed, her cousin seriously wounded.

"At least now we're safe; we don't have to hear any more fighting."

The Darfuri woman sought refuge just across the border in Chad, living under a tree. The UN refugee agency found her and several other families, and moved them to a safer location about three months ago.

In honor of World Refugee Day this Friday, June 20, two generous donors have challenged us to raise $10,000 online this week in support of our work for refugees like this woman and her family. These donors have promised to match every gift, dollar for dollar.

Double your impact and give today.

Refugees International remains at the forefront of refugee advocacy, traveling directly into crisis situations and calling for tangible results that save lives. As you read this, Mpako and Erin are examining the increasingly perilous situation for 400,000 displaced people in eastern Chad, who have fled unimaginable atrocities and live a fragile existence in one of the most remote corners of the world.

Mpako and Erin are already finding that the European peacekeeping force is not living up to its promise to protect people from harm, and insecurity is growing. On June 12, Chadian rebel forces launched their latest offensive in eastern Chad, adding to fears of new displacement and need.

We must act now.

Since 2003, fighting in Darfur has displaced over 2.5 million people and killed up to 400,000. Brutal attacks on villages have spread across the border into eastern Chad, and attacks on humanitarian workers are threatening the delivery of assistance to vulnerable displaced people.

Refugees International is pressing for a more effective peacekeeping presence to protect civilians and allow lifesaving assistance to reach people at risk. It is especially vital to meet the needs of Chadians. The crisis has spread, and the world's leaders must act to address this crisis regionally and bring security to both Chad and Sudan.

Your donation, big or small, will make a difference. Refugees International has a proven track record. A single gift can help us leverage millions of dollars in support. It can help us push for a stronger humanitarian response to refugee crises. Most importantly, your support will improve the lives of displaced people in Chad, Sudan and around the world.

We do not accept government or United Nations funding, and sustain our independent and effective work by relying on the support of generous individuals like you.

For World Refugee Day, double your impact, and honor those struggling in Chad, as well as the millions of refugees around the globe who live without access to the most basic needs.

Sincerely,
Ken Bacon
President

P.S. By becoming a monthly donor, you can help us secure a stable foundation of support. Go to www.refugeesinternational.org/donate to set up your giving schedule.