UPDATED: It’s time to step up and help Pakistan

Pakistan army soldiers pass a baby across a channel in the floodwater as they help people flee from their flooded village following heavy monsoon rains in Taunsa, Pakistan

Julie Cowdroy reports:

Where are our donations going?

There are growing concerns from Australian donors that their money is not reaching people in need in Pakistan.

I spoke to Mark Chenery from ActionAid, one of the Australian aid agencies on the ground in Pakistan.

Mark said that donating to aid agencies on the ground means your money is not going to the government. Rather, agencies pass on aid one of two ways. Either directly to the people or through local partners on the ground who have along history with those aid agencies. Feel free to call the organisation you are donating to and ask questions about what work they are doing and how they operate. (I did).

For those worrying about reports of donations ending up in the hands of extremists, be assured that donating to reputable Australian aid agencies on the ground will ensure that aid ends up in the hands of people who need it most.

Aid is being targeted on what is most needed so that is effective. Shelter, plastic sheeting, halal food, mosquito nets, insect repellent, water pumps, purification tablets, generators, prevention of skin diseases, and the disposal of dead animals.

This is not a time to be holding back on giving to those in need. In a natural disaster, the poorest and most vulnerable of a society are affected. There are estimates that the floods have affected 17-20 million people. 8 million people are literally fighting for their lives. They are in serious need of immediate humanitarian assistance for survival. Time is of the essence. Pakistan is an agricultural economy and 80% of the flood-affected are farmers. Long-term support is essential for the people of Pakistan.

Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons. People like us.

Mark says, “It’s about a human giving to a human, not an Australian giving to a Pakistani.” I think this is a great way to view the situation.