Tuesday 27 January 2009

No Gaza appeal on the BBC

Much has been made of the BBC's decision not to air an appeal for humanitarian aid by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). [It was discussed at length by many of the speakers at the recent United for Gaza event at the University, as mentioned by us here.]

The main argument for airing the appeal, as outlined on the TUC's blog, is that providing humanitarian aid is not taking sides. No matter who is responsible, or the justice and legality of either sides actions, the plight of the people of Gaza is deplorable. There is an urgent need for food and medicine, two resources which have been cut off since before this recent military campaign began.

The members of the DEC are:
* ActionAid
* British Red Cross
* CAFOD
* Care International
* Christian Aid
* Concern
* Help the Aged
* Islamic Relief
* Merlin
* Oxfam
* Save the Children
* Tearfund
* World Vision


If these 13 internationally respected charities believe that the cause is worthy of a focused campaign I fail to see how the BBC could possibly justify an argument that airing an appeal would be taking sides. When it comes to humanitarian aid there are no sides, there are only people who need help. The BBC should remember that.

You can donate to the DEC Gaza appeal here.

There is an online petition aimed at the BBC.

3 comments:

  1. Read about the work of the British Red Cross in Gaza at http://www.redcross.org.uk/TLC.asp?id=90152 or if you would like to donate to our appeal please visit www.redcross.org.uk/gazacrisis

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  2. Thanks for commenting. The Red Cross is a fantastic organisation.

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  3. Stela Yordanova31 March 2009 at 14:24

    British Red Cross head of international finance, Andy Brimelaw, is visiting the Palestine Red Crescent to report on how the raised funds have been spent. He will be twittering about his trip
    www.redcross.org.uk/twitter
    www.twitter.com/britishredcross

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