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Australian DOLSH sisters working in the Sudan, from left: Srs Mary Batchelor, Wendy Violet,
Moira Lynch and Korete Terimoa (Kiribati)
Up to a million people are on the brink of starvation in southern Sudan as a result of fighting between rival political
factions.
The ongoing civil war between Christians in the south and Muslims from northern Sudan has displaced millions of people and seen up to 1.5 million people killed over the past 20 years.
The
fighting has have forced many villagers in the south to flee their homes without warning.
Sr Claudette Hiosan, of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (DOLSH) Overseas Aid Fund, said the displaced
villagers had nothing; their homes, food and property had been looted and burned.
Australian DOLSH sisters have been working with displaced people in the Diocese of Rumbek, southern Sudan, for the past six
years.
Now the Bishop of Rumbek, Bishop Caesar Mazzolari, has written to the DOLSH sisters in Australia, appealing for help.
“It is clear the international community is not fully aware of these people
and their crucial state of affairs,” Bishop Mazzolari said. “These people are on the brink of death.”
He described the situation in his diocese as “pathetic”.
“Gradually people are becoming weaker and
weaker,” he said. “Soon they will begin to die of thirst and diseases caused by a lack of drinking water and poor hygiene.”
The sisters of DOLSH have launched an urgent appeal for funds to assist the people
of Rumbek.
Sr Claudette said money raised in Australia would help buy basic food supplies such as high protein biscuits, milk for children, medical supplies, vaccines and clothing.
More than 95 cents
in every $1 given to the OLSH Overseas Aid Fund goes directly to those in need. Donations of more than $2 are tax deductible.
Donations can be sent the DOLSH Overseas Aid Fund Sudan Appeal, 2
Kensington Rd, Kensington, NSW 2033.
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