The television images of the Middle East show us a picture of the region as an epicentre of conflict, bloodshed and implacable division.
But behind the headlines and struggles over oil and land is the real story; deepening poverty, scarcity of resources, the struggle of the most vulnerable for a lifeline. This is why Christian Aid works in the Middle East.
The causes of poverty vary throughout the region. Human rights abuses, ethnic and religious tension, unfair trade and labour conditions, factional fighting and bitter disputes over land are just some of the problems faced by the poor.
Conflict affects almost everything we do in the Middle East – from the worsening security situation in Iraq to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Our partners in the region are working to uphold people’s rights to the basics of life, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender. We strive to give people access to education, work, healthcare, the right to freedom of movement and a secure and safe environment. We work across boundaries to unite people.
Human rights and justice
Upholding human rights and economic justice is a vital part of our work throughout the Middle East. We speak out about the labour rights of groups ranging from fishermen in Egypt to migrant workers in Israel.
In Lebanon, we support the right of the disabled to employment and help Palestinian refugees living in camps in their struggle to work legally in the country.
In Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (IOPT) we hold decision-makers to account for their obligations under international law to protect citizens and provide practical assistance to people facing mounting poverty. Read more.
‘We are thirsty for real and tangible political developments on the ground,’ says Ahmed Sourani of the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee (PARC) in the Gaza Strip, echoing the thoughts of many Palestinians who desire a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict with Israel.
Conflict
Conflict affects almost everything we do in the Middle East – from the worsening security situation in Iraq, to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict so central to the region’s history. Every day our partners risk their lives to carry on working.
In Iraq, we continue to support our partners despite the violence. But the growing death toll and indiscriminate killing of civilians blights the country, and puts our partners at risk. ‘Every day when I wake up I ask God to save our field staff from being targets of terror attacks,’ said one of our Iraqi partners, whose identity must remain anonymous to protect them from attack.
In both Iraq and the Gaza Strip we fund projects that provide counselling to children affected by conflict.
In Lebanon, where the peace remains fragile and people are still reeling from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict of 2006, we provide emergency relief for those worst affected. Find out more.
Speaking out
In countries such as Egypt, our partners campaign for the rights of the poor and illiterate in rural communities, who are often at the bottom of the government’s agenda.
In Israel and the OPT we speak out against policies that damage the wellbeing and security of civilians. As an occupying power, Israel has legal obligations and a responsibility towards Palestinians; likewise, the Palestinian Authority must do more to end violence, and tackle internal divisions and conflict. We, and our partners, are pressing for a peaceful solution to the conflict and for the rights of people on both sides of the divide to be respected.
The Middle East often finds itself at the forefront of global geopolitics – but the needs of the poorest are frequently forgotten. Peace and justice could play a huge role in tackling the poverty throughout the region – the need is more urgent than ever before.
In 2006/07 we gave grants of £25.8 million/€38.2 million to 217 organisations in Asia and the Middle East.