Support Relief Efforts in Manipur

Here's an appeal for donations for the relief effort currently being undertaken by  by Rural Women Upiftment Society, Manipur.

Online donations can be made to the organisation through at https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-rural-women-upliftment-society .

Dear friends,

The devastating ethnic violence and arson that unfolded in Manipur since May 3rd, 2023, have left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of over 100 people, injuring more than 5,000, and displacing an estimated 70,000 individuals. Numerous homes, villages, and churches have been reduced to ashes, leaving families without shelter or land to return to. The situation is dire and urgent assistance is needed. The Rural Women Upliftment Society (RWUS) has been actively engaged in relief work from the very onset, providing essential aid such as dry rations, medicines, mosquito nets, and clothing to 69 camps. Our efforts have particularly focused on the most vulnerable, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. However, the scale of the crisis demands more extensive support.

The displaced families in camps are currently being managed and supported by local CSOs/CBOs and NGOs. Initially, the local communities rallied together, contributing clothes, firewood, rice, and vegetables. However, as the situation worsens, even those less affected are struggling to earn a living. The camps suffer from acute water shortages, unsanitary living conditions, and grave health concerns, especially for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and the elderly. Urgent requirements include food, medicine and hygiene kits, clean drinking water, undergarments, mosquito nets, mattresses, utensils, and clothing.

RWUS is a co-founder of Women in Governance (WinG), a network of women operating across districts in Manipur and at the national level through WinG-India. Our organization firmly believes in equal distribution and justice for all. With 15 years of experience in humanitarian aid during conflict situations, we are equipped to navigate the challenges posed by this crisis. We have also received training in Local Capacity for Peace (LCP) in collaboration with esteemed organizations like Action Aid and Sphere India for our humanitarian efforts.

To date (as of May 27th, 2023), our relief efforts have reached 1,604 internally displaced persons, including 4,566 females, 3,464 males, 1,750 children, 364 elderly individuals, 104 pregnant women, and 320 lactating mothers. The assistance we have provided includes essential items such as food, sanitary napkins, medicines, and more.

However, we cannot address this immense crisis alone. We earnestly appeal to your generosity and empathy to support our cause. Your donation, no matter the amount, will make a significant difference in alleviating the suffering of those affected by this tragedy. Together, we can provide much-needed relief, restore hope, and rebuild the shattered lives of the displaced families in Manipur.

Please join us in this critical mission by contributing to our relief efforts today. Your support will bring solace and help us provide the necessary aid to those who need it most. Thank you for your compassion and for standing in solidarity with the people of Manipur during these trying times.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mary Beth Sanate
Secretary
Rural Women Upliftment Society (RWUS)
www.rwus.org