[Reader-list] Support for Swat refugees

[Yousuf]

Support for Swat Refugees
http://www.danka.com.pk/swatrelief.php

Several hundred thousand people fled the war zone of Swat and nearby areas. The local population has accommodated a majority of these refugees, as per their customs, in their homes, hujras, and schools. Many of these refugees are fed and taken care of by the locals and are not yet 'registered'. The refugees in the camps are mostly those who could not be accommodated in the already overcrowded structures. (Meaning, the actual figures are probably much higher). The government has problems providing infrastructure and coordination. The Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of Swat need support of their country(wo)men in these difficult times. Please come forward and play your part in helping them make through to a better future.

Please note that Danka is voluntarily providing the following information only for wider public awareness on donation options. Danka team shall keep adding more information on other NGOs and organizations directly involved in helping the IDPs. Danka has no official or unofficial arrangement with any of the listed organizations on this page and urge you to make informed decision on your donations and contributions. The best way is to call the organizations and inquire about their scope of activity and how you can help. Even spreading the information for various donation options is a contribution on your part.

What can you do?

We provide here an alphabetical order list of some NGO’s working for relief that you can contact and support. Danka is not responsible for the work of these NGOs - please go through their portfolio and decide yourself whom do you want to support. Please also drop in comments and update us with more names and contacts.

Al-Khidmat Foundation
http://al-khidmatfoundation.org/donate-here.php

Edhi Foundation
http://www.edhifoundation.com/contact.asp

Islamic Relief Worldwide
https://donations.islamic-relief.com/signin.asp

Pakistan Red Crescent Society
http://www.prcs.org.pk/donation.asp

Pakistan IDP Team
http://pakistanidps.wordpress.com/

Sahara for Life Trust
http://www.saharaforlife.org/donate.htm

Sungi Development Foundation
http://www.pacenetworkpk.com/donation_details.asp

UM Healthcare Trust
http://www.umtrust.org/donate

UN High Commission for Refugees: Global and Online Donors
http://www.unhcr.org/emergency/pakistan/global_landing.html

For donations locally the UNHCR will shortly setup a page for engaging the general public.

About Donations and Development Work
Our own experiences in the earthquake relief (some Danka members were working in Kashmir for several months) have shown that the best way to help is to support trustworthy individuals who work closely on site with the people. Basically there are two forms of help - immediate help required as food/medical support/accommodation, etc. and sustainable support as building up local infrastructure, employment, coordination between the locals, etc.

If you donate then you take responsibility that the money or goods you kindly give also fulfill the purpose. Please take this fact serious and control that work is being done as presented by the individuals or NGOs you support. A comment from a person who just came from the area is:

"Give relief goods/cash ONLY to those who can personally deliver or trustworthy established organizations. It is a first hand experience from the earthquake and past few days that 'humanity' is at its best in such situations, especially when it comes to Pakistani Muslims (Please accept the truth!). Very few things reach to the needy. While most of us are satisfied by contributing to the collection points, in reality it doesn't work that way. Don't get overwhelmed by the slogans and banners! Just act wisely. Please supervise your donations as good as possible - you can not fully trust even those who are working at the camps."

Thank you for your support!