Chris Clarke: Paying a ransom to secure space

A vessel in distress approximately 107 nautical miles, or just under 200km, north of Christmas Island and about 100 nautical miles, or around 185km, south of Indonesia. Photo / AMSA

Opinion

What drives a father to pay a king's ransom to secure a space on a leaky, overcrowded boat for his daughter?

Simply that the alternative of staying behind is many times worse. It's an impossible choice and one no parent should ever have to face and no child endure.

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Behind each decision to board a boat, steal across a border in the middle of the night, stow aboard a train or marry off a child is a story of aspiration, setbacks, dreams dashed, sleepless nights, nauseating fear and forced choices.

The stories emerging from Europe, from Lebanon and Jordan, are shattering.

FAQ: WHAT IS THE FORGOTTEN MILLIONS CAMPAIGN?

Even seasoned World Vision colleagues who have worked in disaster zones around the world are rendered silent by the images and stories we are seeing.

It is why we are relaunching the Forgotten Millions campaign. When Rachel Smalley and I were in Lebanon and Kurdistan earlier this year, the only thing we were asked by the refugees we met was that we not forget them.

It's why I am asking you to dig deep, yet again, to help us raise money as an act of solidarity and a sign of our shared humanity.

I promise you, no matter how big or small the amount, it will make a difference.

- Chris Clarke, World Vision chief executive

What is the situation in and around Syria now?

The conflict in Syria is in its fifth year. A generation of Syrian and Iraqi children have lost homes, friends, family members, and witnessed or experienced extreme violence. They are now living in makeshift tents and abandoned buildings, their families struggling for food. Calls for funding by the UN and NGOs globally have largely gone ignored and the situation has hit breaking point. In the past two months, more than 500,000 refugees have had their food assistance dramatically reduced or cut altogether, putting unsustainable financial pressure on families. The hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing war have used the last of their finances for a chance of a better life in Europe for themselves and their children.

How is World Vision responding?

World Vision has already reached more than two million Syrian refugees, providing them with the basic necessities: water, food, shelter, blankets and hygiene kits, as well as focusing on education and child-friendly spaces to keep children safe from exploitation.

How can I get involved?

Your support will make a crucial difference to the children and their families in desperate need throughout this region. Please make an urgent donation to support those devastated by the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe.

Where will my money go?

Your donation will go where it's most needed - to projects that support refugees in the Middle East and in Europe.

How can I make a donation?

You can make online donations, phone donations and offline donations.

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Phone donations can be made on 0800 90 5000.

Offline donations can be made by printing off the form below and filling it out (app users tap here).