The topic of Guardian and Observer Charity Appeal 2024 is a conflict. We partner with three charities: Médecins Sans Frontières, War Child and Parallel Histories. Here’s a quick guide to what charities do, why they do it and how they make a difference.
Doctors Without Borders
Also known as MSF or Doctors Without Borders, Doctors Without Borders is an international charity providing emergency medical assistance in response to conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics.
Its thousands of doctors, nurses, medical workers and logistics staff set up and run hospitals and clinics in 70 countries around the world, including Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti.
The charity provides impartial care regardless of ethnicity, religion or politics and receives no funding from the UK, US or EU governments.
“There is more armed conflict around the world right now than at any time since World War II, leaving huge numbers of people without access to the vital medical care they need. That’s why MSF is needed now more than ever,” says Dr Natalie Roberts, MSF UK’s chief executive.
Mission: MSF’s share of the money raised through the Guardian and Observer appeal will help fund its work around the world, including treating traumatic injuries such as burns, fractures and conflict wounds.
War Child
War Child is the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict. Working in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, it provides emergency support, protection, education and more to ensure a safer and brighter future for the children it works with.
In 14 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, War Child works with local communities and governments to protect children and offer safe spaces where they can play, learn and access mental health support. while advocating for children’s rights.
“Between April and August 2024 War Child has reached over 1.1 million children,” says its CEO Helen Pattinson. “Millions more need our specialist assistance in conflict zones around the world. We know how to make a difference to the lives of children who are caught up in wars that have not started and the vital funds raised from this appeal will enable us to reach them and make that impact.”
Mission: War Child’s share of appeal donations will go towards funding its critical programs for children – providing emergency care, education and specialist mental health support to help children recover from the trauma of conflict and ensure a safe future for every child affected by war.
Parallel stories
Development of innovative materials and techniques for help schools educate children for sensitive and contested conflicts from Northern Ireland to Israel-Palestine is the educational charity’s primary focus Parallel stories.
Created by a history teacher the late Michael DavisParallel Histories brings together students from different communities to search for common ground. His approach challenges historical stereotypes and equips students with the skills to formulate their own opinions, communicate ideas respectfully, and “disagree”.
“Our approach is a response to populism and extremism, helping young people learn how to use their voice in a civil and democratic society,” the charity says.
Mission: Working with more than 1,400 schools, Parallel Histories will use its share of appeal donations to expand and develop its range of school partners, subjects and materials.
