July 10, 2008

Already high levels of politically motivated violence in the rural areas of Zimbabwe are increasing, the IRIN news service -- the service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs -- reported this week, with continued reports of rape being used as a tool of political violence. Political violence has occurred in the wake of a contested presidential election in Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, there are continuing problems with food shortages, as corn meal is now only available on the so-called informal market.

Since 2000, more than 3 million Zimbabweans have reportedly fled their country. Zimbabwe suffers from an 80-percent unemployment rate to an annual inflation rate of between 1 million to 10 million percent.

RESPONSE: Church World Service has just sent a $10,000 grant to Christian Care, its partner in Zimbabwe, in the wake of Christian Care's response to the humanitarian crisis, including providing assistance to those who have been displaced from the political violence. Christian Care plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment about needs throughout the country and a CWS appeal is expected to assist in these efforts.

CWS has continued to aid the work of Christian Care through financial support of food assistance programs in the last year and by providing shipments of material resources for distribution to families and individuals in need.

In a recent note to CWS and other fellow members of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) International network, Christian Care said it had been requested on June 27 to assist some 350 internally displaced persons (IPDs) who had camped at the South African High Commission as they were being moved to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre which is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) to the east of Harare.

In the note, Christian Care said: "After a rapid assessment that was conducted on Saturday 28 June many needs were identified ranging from food to non - food items. Christian Care was able to contribute by attending to most of the processes that were taking place on that day, to mobilize the church ministers to be present and to provide psycho-social support. Christian Care also was able to contribute a few non food items. On Sunday, June 29, Christian Care was asked to be responsible for the food sector for the IDPs taking over from Zimbabwe Red Cross of which currently we are fully responsible for providing the food and preparation of the food."

Christian Care said it expects soon to assist other IDPs throughout the country, and said in its letter to partners it appreciates the assistance from CWS and other ACT members. "We really appreciate the statements we have read from some of you, the prayers, vigils and conferences that you have held all in an effort to ensure better lives for the people of Zimbabwe."

Media Contact: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net