GENEVA-(April 21, 2015)—Humanitarian organization CARE is shocked by the recent tragedy in the Mediterranean, where hundreds of people have died trying to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea. CARE warns that this is a horrific wake-up call that the world response to the multiple humanitarian crises and abject poverty in the Middle East and Northern Africa is scandalously insufficient.
In particular the war in Syria and the resulting regional refugee crises has grown far beyond the current available resources to address the enormous humanitarian needs. According to the UNHCR, the largest proportion of refugees arriving in Europe in 2015 has come from Syria. More than 11.5 million people have been displaced by the war in Syria, including 3.9 million registered refugees.
The migrant boat tragedies show that the war in Syria is no longer a regional crisis, but a global one that demands more global attention.
“It is unacceptable that the Mediterranean is becoming a mass grave of people desperately attempting to flee an unbearable situation,” said Wolfgang Jamann, Secretary General of CARE International.
“We are greatly concerned that these tragedies will continue as long as the multiple humanitarian crises in the Middle East and Northern Africa are not properly addressed. We need a surge in the amount of support provided to people affected by these crises. We also need a surge in action to address the injustice and inequality that feeds conflict and strife in these regions,” said Jamann.
Media Contact: Holly Frew +1.404.979.9389 hfrew@care.org
About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE has more than six decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE places special focus on women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters. To learn more, visit www.care.org.