(© 2002 Jenny Matthews/CARE)
(© 2002 Jenny Matthews/CARE)
Humanitarian Consequences of War
For more than 50 years, CARE has helped people survive war and rebuild in its aftermath. This work is integral to our poverty-fighting mission because the brutal consequences of war last long after the guns are silent. People cannot overcome poverty when their village has been plundered, when the schoolhouse has been bombed or when the fields' only fruits are deadly landmines.
From the very beginning, CARE has been a beacon of hope for those who have seen their communities and livelihoods destroyed by violent conflict. Following World War II, our CARE Packages went out to survivors in Europe and, later, Asia. Without regard to nationality or political beliefs, CARE reached out to those in need. To those who had suffered the most. To those who wished only for peace and a return to the lives they once knew.
CARE's enduring commitment to aiding victims of war is evident around the world. In this special section of our Web site, we'll give you a closer look at our recent work in four countries: Afghanistan, Angola and Sudan. Each of these nations faces a unique crisis, yet each shares common characteristics. Most significantly, each nation has had its population displaced and suffered destruction of homes, businesses, roads, schools and water systems. The very fabric of society has been torn. But through it all, CARE has been working in each of these countries to ensure that hope and opportunity do not become casualties of war.
- Afghanistan - Even before the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Afghanistan was suffering the effects of more than two decades of conflict and an oppressive regime. CARE responded with food distribution, home schooling, small economic activity development programs and reconstruction of homes, roads and irrigation and water systems. In the post-Taliban era, CARE has tripled our project portfolio, while also advocating on behalf of the country's poor and helping Afghan families obtain the resources they need to rebuild their communities and their lives.
- Angola - More than 1.5 million people were killed and nearly 2 million were displaced during Angola's 25-year civil war. CARE's programs work to rebuild communities, restore economic livelihoods and recover huge tracts of farmland and roads that were rendered useless by millions of landmines.
- Sudan - In addition to development and rehabilitation programs in agriculture, education, the environment and primary health care, CARE has been a strong advocate for a just resolution to the ongoing civil war that has divided Sudan in two. CARE is encouraged by recent peace talks, and we are continuing our efforts to promote an end to conflict in Sudan.
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