Emergency Aid Sought for Sudan

The two organizations represent their respective Catholic and Orthodox churches and Protestant denominations and organizations linked throughout the world.

Of special concern is the Darfur region in western Sudan, scene of clashes between two rebel groups and the Sudanese army.

The violence has left more than 20,000 dead, displaced 1 million, and caused another 160,000 to flee as refugees into Chad.

Caritas and Action by Churches Together are working jointly to provide shelter, clean water, sanitation, and basic sleeping and kitchen materials to the 500,000 displaced Sudanese now living in camps near their burned-out villages or in other host communities.

A note issued by Caritas stresses the need for a speedy aid before the rainy season sets in and complicates relief efforts.