Photo credit:
Reuters/Arko Datta, courtesy of www.alertnet.org
05/20/2005

The massive earthquake and tsunami that struck 12 countries in South Asia and Africa claimed the lives of more than 280,000 people. Millions more are homeless and without food, water, medical care or proper sanitation. Refugees International (RI) is using our 25 years of experience with displacement to ensure that the best measures are taken to save -- and rebuild -- these people's lives. 

Days after the tsunami hit, RI quickly launched missions to Sri Lanka and Indonesia, the two hardest hit countries. Now, we have recently followed up with another mission to Indonesia where we are focusing on long-term reconstruction efforts. We continue to monitor the response to the damage in other countries, many of which we assess on a regular basis, as well.

Refugees International is urging the international community to use resources in a cost-effective way.  Currently billions of dollars have been promised by the international community. Accompanied by the outpouring of donations from private sources, this may be the largest infusion of cash that these countries ever will receive from the international community.  Yet, few are watching to ensure that these funds are maximized and that the money is used to rebuild roads, restore infrastructure and stimulate new jobs so that these nations can become more self-reliant. Every dollar saved from emergency relief can be used instead for reconstruction to restore hope and encourage development.

RI is also concerned that the impressive global humanitarian response to the countries devastated by the tsunami has diverted resources from other crises. Interviews with United Nations personnel revealed that emergency appeals outside of Sudan and the tsunami have been massively underfunded. Governments pledged $4.5 billion to Sudan and $6.7 billion to tsunami-affected countries, far exceeding the appeals for these countries. Yet, the UN’s request for a mere $1.7 billion in aid, which would provide basic survival and protection services to some 26 million people in 14 targeted emergencies, has received only 9 percent of its funding in the first quarter of 2005. Read more about these aid shortfalls here.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

May 20 -- Recovery in Aceh

February 9 -- Visual Mission: Sri Lanka After the Tsunami 

February 3 -- Sri Lanka: Children Back to School

January 27 -- Refugee Voices: Life and Struggle in Indonesia

January 14 -- Indonesia: Signs of Resilience in the Damage in Aceh

January 13 -- Sri Lanka: Tsunami Disaster Could Strengthen Peace Movement

January 11 -- Indonesia: Rebuilding Aceh, Problems and Progress

January 9 -- Sri Lanka: Severe Damage, but Rebuilding is Under Way