Eleven aid organizations have formed the alliance "Development Helps – Together for People in Need" to jointly appeal for donations during emergencies and disasters. The alliance operates worldwide; its members support development programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The ARD (German public broadcaster) is the media partner for major disasters and crises.
The horror at the many horrific reports we receive daily through the media is immense. Governments, organizations, and many individuals worldwide are taking responsibility. The goal, in addition to alleviating immediate suffering, must also be to eliminate the circumstances that leave people defenseless against the forces of natural disasters.
Natural disasters may be unavoidable in many cases; however, the extent of their impact can be influenced and mitigated. But where war, human rights violations, and poverty prevail, where mismanagement exists and politics cares little for the common good, people are most vulnerable to natural disasters.
The Alliance Development Helps supports sustainable projects for people in disaster areas. This involves not only planning reconstruction programs but also implementing long-term measures to combat poverty and protect human rights. Without local partners and the significant participation of the people in the disaster zones, neither needs-based planning nor the subsequent implementation of aid programs is possible. This long-term collaboration with local initiatives and support for civil society on the ground is a hallmark of the organizations within the Alliance Development Helps. Experience shows that the most effective aid is that which sustainably prevents suffering.
Contact:
Alliance Development Helps,
Schöneberger Ufer 61,
10785 Berlin, Germany
, Phone: +49 30 / 27 87 73 90,
Fax: +49 30 / 27 87 73 99
, Email: kontakt@entwicklung-hilft.de