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Support for Gaza
27/01/2009
Minister for Europe, Culture and External Affairs Linda Fabiani today met with Scottish non-governmental organisations to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She heard reports from each organisation about their work on the ground in Gaza and discussed how best the Scottish Government could assist.
Ms Fabiani said:
"The scale of destruction in Gaza following the recent conflict is staggering and it is clear that the ongoing humanitarian crisis needs urgent attention. I welcomed today's update from Scottish NGOs working in Gaza.
"The Scottish Government is currently accepting funding bids from Scottish NGOs to support their humanitarian work in Gaza, and we will be assessing all applications as quickly as possible to ensure that funds can be released and made available urgently to help those who need it most.
"I also met with representatives of Islamic Relief today who launched their own appeal in Scotland shortly after the crisis started. They have informed me that Scots have already donated £400,000 - approximately 16 per cent of all their funds pledged to their campaign in the UK as a whole.
"This fantastic response reflects the deep compassion that the Scottish people feel for those in need. I am sure they will continue to contribute what they can to help alleviate the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza."
Attendees at the meeting included the Chair of Disasters Emergency Committee Scotland, Judith Robertson, who was also representing Oxfam Scotland, and representatives of Islamic Relief Scotland, Mercy Corps Scotland, Christian Aid Scotland, Save the Children Scotland, Edinburgh Direct Aid, British Red Cross Scotland, Medical Aid for Palestine and CBM.