Care chief seeks allies to help people hit by conflict in region
By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter
Current events in the Arab world represent a number of challenges for people seeking sustainable and long term change, according to CEO of global NGO, Care, Helen Gayle.
“We are looking at ways in which we could be helpful at this point of time and in this region,” she said, explaining that Care is exploring a number of possible partnerships to help people in countries throughout the Arab world.They already have a presence in Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, and Gaza among others, but with the Arab Spring taking place, there are many more opportunities to offer assistance as the countries look to the future.
Although reluctant to make any statement on the political situation in Syria, Gayle said that the current events taking place in the country must be stopped as soon as possible.“I’m not a politician so I can’t say exactly what should be done, but I do believe that to have this level of loss of life occurring cannot be sustained and cannot go on. I believe that the international community has to take some calculated sense of when to interject into an internal situation, but on the other hand, the international community looking at this magnitude of life being lost is something people have to weigh up.The world looking on at so many people losing their lives is something that we have to take seriously and think what the right actions are. I also think that this region has a real role to play, I think countries who have relationships and may have some influence are very important in these kinds of situations,” she said, referring to Qatar’s role in a number of countries so far.
Gayle also highlighted the role that HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has been playing and can play in the future in terms of humanitarian assistance and raising awareness of people in need.“I think its hugely important, and we have found in our work around the world that having someone who is respected and who is visible has a huge impact – she is a huge role model,” she said.
“So having men and women who are able to champion these causes who have credibility, who have respect, who are role models and who are visible carrying these messages, is hugely important.I have been impressed since coming here at how much this region wants to play a part in helping the global community beyond its borders,” added Gayle.
