USAID CIDI Urges Monetary Donations to Support Displaced Iraqis

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As large-scale population displacement and ongoing conflict in northern Iraq continues, the U.S. Agency for International Development's Center for International Disaster Information (USAID CIDI)  encourages the public to support international relief efforts in the most effective way possible. Those who wish to help can provide immediate, life-saving support through monetary donations to trusted and experienced relief organizations, rather than by sending material items such as bottled water, canned food and clothing.

The United Nations estimates that more than 1.2 million Iraqis have been displaced since January and more than half of all Iraqis have been impacted by this humanitarian crisis. The U.S. government and the international community are continuing to provide relief to people displaced by violence. In addition to these efforts, the work of on-the-ground, humanitarian aid agencies, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), remains critical to support those in need of aid. Monetary donations enable NGOs to purchase and stockpile essential relief supplies quickly and in adequate quantities. By channeling donor generosity into cash donations rather than unsolicited material goods, relief organizations are able to help with greater speed and sensitivity, without clogging supply chains or taking critical time from relief workers.

"People who are caught in complex humanitarian crises suffer from many of the same needs as those who are affected by natural disasters," said Juanita Rilling, Director of USAID CIDI. "Disaster situations evolve quickly and people's needs can evolve just as quickly. Financial support to relief organizations working directly with crisis-affected people is the best way to ensure that critical needs are met as they arise."

Lists of trusted, experienced organizations that are conducting relief operations in Iraq may be found at USAID CIDI, Global Giving, InterAction and Relief Web.

About USAID CIDI

USAID CIDI is based in Washington, D.C. and was created in 1988 by the United States Agency for International Development's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) to inform Americans about the best ways to help people affected by disasters overseas. USAID CIDI provides individuals, groups, embassies, businesses and corporations with information and guidance in support of maximally beneficial public support of international disaster relief efforts. The organization works with other donations management stakeholders, and promotes activities and donations to channel the public's energy and generosity in ways most helpful to beneficiaries. For more information about USAID CIDI and helping international disaster survivors, please visit www.cidi.org.

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SOURCE USAID CIDI