ACN on the humanitarian crisis in northern Iraq
(Vatican Radio) The United States on Friday began to drop relief supplies to beleaguered refugees forced to flee Islamist militants in Iraq. The town of Qaraqosh, home to Christians and other religious minorities was captured by The Islamic State between the 6th and 7th of August.
Around one hundred thousand Christians have now fled to Erbil, but there are fears that the city which is within a radius to Mosul could be targeted by the Sunni Muslim group formerly known as ISIS.
Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s interview with Aid to the Church in Need’s John Newton
As the situation deteriorates, the charity Aid to the Church in Need has spoken of the serious humanitarian crisis engulfing northern Iraq and the minorities affected. “People are having to carry with them the sick, the elderly, infants, pregnant women are having to be taken. It’s a real humanitarian crisis, says ACN’s John Newton.
Asked about hopes for a political solution to the crisis, Mr Newton says decisive action needs to be taken and certainly in the UK, “we haven’t seen a robust response from our own government here”, adding that he would be cautious about predicting help from western governments.
What is needed, he continues is a way to cut through the red tape so emergency aid can be provided. “I know that the Church is doing its very best…but the Church told us they are stretched to capacity, they really can’t do any more.”
Speaking about Pope Francis’ appeal for those suffering in Iraq, John Newton says, “it is an act of solidarity”, and shows those affected that they are not alone.
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