Bishops have asked people to support Trócaire’s Christmas 2018 Appeal which focuses on the plight of those affected by conflict in Yemen, South Sudan and in other countries to enable it to respond to hunger crises, displacement, conflict and human rights abuses.
Speaking at the conclusion of their Winter General Meeting in Maynooth, bishops said, “In this season of Advent, we pray for the millions of people who remain trapped in war around the world and urged support for Trócaire’s Christmas Appeal to provide life-saving care to the most vulnerable members of our global family. We commend Trócaire for the care and assistance it provides to people living in poverty and conflict.
“We are deeply concerned at the worsening crisis in Yemen, where eight million people are at risk of famine. The lives of millions of people have been put at risk through the actions of leaders who engage in conflict without a care for the lives of civilians. We thank Trócaire for the work of its personnel who are providing medicine, safe water and aid to thousands of people in Yemen. This is a lifeline that we, as Christians, must support and strengthen.”
Over 4.5 million people have been displaced by fighting in South Sudan. Bishops noted that the conflict has not received adequate attention from the world’s media. Approximately 85% of South Sudanese refugees are women and 65% are children. Trócaire is responding to the crisis in South Sudan by supporting tens of thousands of people each month with food, water and other vital needs.
For more on this year’s Christmas appeal from Trócaire see www.trocaire.org/christmas
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