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UPDATE
August 15, 2008 — The latest estimates of displacement related to the conflict now total more than 118,000, based on figures provided by the governments. Russian officials in North Ossetia indicate some 30,000 people from South Ossetia are still in the Russian Federation. Georgian officials report that up to 15,000 people have fled south from South Ossetia into Georgia proper. In addition, some 73,000 people are displaced in Georgia proper, including most of the population of Gori — which is just south of the boundary with South Ossetia. Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
August 14, 2008
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is supporting humanitarian relief efforts for refugees and displaced persons in Georgia in cooperation with Action by Churches Together (ACT) International.
Hostilities between Russian and Georgian forces in the disputed Caucasus region of South Ossetia, Georgia, have been flaring since August 8. South Ossetia, the area under attack, is a long-conflicted region along Georgia's border with Russia. Intense bombing has led to tens of thousands of people fleeing South Ossetia for the North. At present, the number of refugees and displaced persons in North Ossetia is estimated to be about 35,000.
Action by Churches Together (ACT) members the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) are working together to deliver assistance to refugees and displaced persons in North Ossetia. ROC, through its emergency response arm called the Russia Round Table, is taking the lead in the response. The Russian Round Table has at its disposal the necessary working contacts, infrastructure and experienced staff in place in the region. The orthodox churches and institutions are helping to provide shelter and are distributing food, clothing and medicines to the refugees and displaced persons.
Gary Payton, PC(USA) World Mission Regional Liaison for Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland, has let Presbyterian Disaster Assistance know that he is also monitoring the situation and is in contact with Margarita Nelyubova, head of the Russian Round Table.
ACT Rapid Response Funds are being provided to help provide additional food, sanitary items and household packages to displaced persons in North Ossetia. Other ACT members are mobilizing to provide assistance in South Ossetia and in other parts of Georgia as security permits. |
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