ADRA Europe issues statement on COVID-19 pandemic: WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER
Noting the growing humanitarian crisis, ADRA Europe [The Adventist Development and Relief Agency] issued a statement on Friday 17 April noting that ‘we are in this together’.
April 17, 2020 | Victor Hulbert, ADRA Communication, CD-EUDNews. Pictures ADRA
St Albans [CD-EUDNews, Victor Hulbert]. The statement states that “as we confront this pandemic crisis with our partners, we are serving on the front lines by providing shelter and food for the homeless, supporting healthcare and mental health services, providing educati
on, and helping vulnerable seniors, youth, children and families across the world.” In a call for solidarity the statement requests European and global communities to “ensure safe and secure access to education for all, while considering all necessary protective health measures.” With so many schools and educational institutions currently closed this fits in with the ADRA advocacy campaign EVERY CHILD, EVERYWHERE, IN SCHOOL which has currently garnered more than 500,000 signatures.
There is also a call for universal welfare support and a request for more support for organisations that support civil society, recognising that many will be struggling as their normal sources of income dry up. The final part of the statement is an appeal, reminding governments and individuals to consider measures to support the vulnerable and economically challenged when designing strategies to overcome economic damage caused by
COVID-19, as well as the need for intergenerational solidarity, and to continue support for developing countries in a time of particular economic hardship. The entire statement can be read here.
