Aid Shouldn’t Be Second Priority to Military Intervention

In response to Prime Minister John Key’s announcement to send New Zealand troops to Iraq, international aid and development agency TEAR Fund New Zealand is also urging the government to maintain and expand its humanitarian response.

TEAR Fund’s CEO and Head of the NGO Disaster Relief Forum Ian McInnes, says New Zealand’s military commitment is only a drop in the bucket in terms of the global response to this conflict and to effectively help the Iraqi people; as a member of the UN Security Council, New Zealand should pledge more aid money to support our efforts there.

Mr McInnes says, with increased military intervention, the number of refugees will only grow and it will be necessary to step up humanitarian efforts in order to keep up with their needs.

“Amidst the almost-daily news of the brutality of ISIS, it is easy to forget how this conflict affects everyday people. New Zealand can make a noticeable impact by providing more aid, helping with the reconstruction of areas decimated by the conflict, and assisting communities to rebuild their lives upon their return home.”

TEAR Fund is helping internally displaced people meet their basic needs such as warm clothing and food, as well as providing psycho social support to traumatised children within refugee camps.

ENDS

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