TEARFUND AUSTRALIA – EMERGENCY APPEAL for AFGHANISTAN
“A humanitarian crisis of incredible proportions is unfolding before our eyes.”
Mary Ellen McGroarty Head of the UN’s World Food Programme in Afghanistan
Over the past twenty years, conflict in Afghanistan has resulted in the displacement of
thousands of people, compounded by extreme drought and food insecurity which has
left millions in need of assistance. The recent withdrawal of all Western troops and
diplomatic personnel from Afghanistan has deepened the crisis, with 18 million people
now seeking humanitarian assistance, an increase of 30% since 2020. Of greatest
concern is that 75% of those in need are women and children, and more than 3 million
children are suffering from acute malnutrition. In addition to homelessness and food
insecurity, the return of the Taliban has caused women and girls to fear the loss of
their freedom and right to education.
October 11 has been adopted by the United Nations as the International Day of the
Girl Child, and for that reason Cathedral Council chooses a charity directly related to
the needs of girls and women for our October Appeal. The UN Theme for 2021 is
ending child marriages. With the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan, there has been
a 180-degree turn for girls and women as reports emerge that the Taliban have been
going door-to-door searching for girls over the age of 15 for marriage to Taliban
fighters1. This is consistent with the acknowledged risk that girls may lose the right to
education, be locked into strict confinement at home, and forced into early marriage.
For over four decades, Tearfund Australia has stood alongside their local partners in
Afghanistan, working towards a more just and compassionate world. In recent weeks
since the withdrawal, Tearfund staff have been working with local partners to ensure
the safety and security of local staff, including women, and this work is ongoing. At the
same time they are preparing for the uncertain challenges that lie ahead.
At St John’s, we value the importance of compassion and generosity toward the needy. Can
we support Tearfund Australia to assist the people of Afghanistan as soon as their partners
are able to safely operate among the needy, especially the girls, the women, and the
children?
Donations to Tearfund Australia are tax deductible. Place your donation in the October
envelopes available in the Narthex, and place it in the donation boxes, in the collection, to the
Cathedral Office Monday-Friday, or give it to a warden. If you wish to have a receipt, please
provide your name and address on the envelope. Using electronic banking, make a bank
transfer to BSB 034 003 Account No.385378. Please narrate your deposit “Outreach 10” and
also email outreach@stjohnscathedral.com.au to inform us of your deposit, (including the
amount), and to provide your postal/email details for the receipt. For credit card payments,
please phone the cathedral office during normal business hours Monday-Friday (07 3835
2222). Tearfund Australia will provide receipts direct in late November or early December.
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1 Holly McKay, Dallas Morning News, in The Economic Times, Aug 25, 2021, 04:13 PM IST
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/taliban-abducting-girls-over-15-years-of-age-for-marriage-saysescaped-
journalist/articleshow/85621400.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
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