WASHINGTON (March 15, 2018) – The global poverty-fighting organization CARE welcomes yesterday’s introduction of the Global Fragility & Violence Reduction Act of 2018 (H.R. 5273). This legislation, introduced by Reps. Elliot Engel (D-NY), Ted Poe (R-TX) and Michael McCaul (R-TX) of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will reform and streamline U.S. foreign assistance programs and ensure coordination among the U.S. government to address the root causes of global violence and violent conflict. As we mark the seventh anniversary of the war in Syria today, CARE is pleased to see this critical step toward combating global violence.
“At a time when nearly 65 million people are forcibly displaced from homes, and violent conflict drives 80 percent of humanitarian need, it’s crucial that the United States contribute more efficiently and effectively to combat the root causes of violence before they grow into more violent conflicts,” said David Ray, vice president for policy and advocacy at CARE. “The Global Fragility & Violence Reduction Act will provide critical prevention efforts in a strategic and efficient manner, while reinforcing America’s commitment to global peace and security.”
With more than 70 years of emergency response experience, CARE works in many of the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected countries, strengthening communities and reducing the impact of violence on the most vulnerable populations. CARE knows in times of crises, women and girls are especially vulnerable to abuse, gender-based violence and exploitation. That’s why CARE places a special focus on women and girls, because, when they have access to basic tools, skills, services and supplies, they transform their communities and create a safer and more stable world.
ABOUT CARE
Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor girls and women because, equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty. Last year, CARE worked in 94 countries and reached more than 80 million people around the world. To learn more, please visit www.care.org.
Media Contacts
Nicole Ellis, +1-202-560-1791, nicole.ellis@care.org