CAFOD: Please pray for the people of Iraq

CAFOD have committed £25,000 to its Caritas partners in Iraq so that they can respond to the plight of Iraqis forced from their homes, fleeing violence. This money will be used to support the urgent needs of families who now find themselves living in schools, public buildings, churches and mosques.

Working under dangerous conditions, a CAFOD partner sent this short report describing the deteriorating situation:
“After the occupation of Mosul by the armed militants two months ago, these groups started moving from Mosul. They reached Qaraqosh – the largest Christian area in the northern region – Bartella and other Christian villages in Nineveh plain in addition to occupying Zummar, Tal Afar and other areas.

“The families we spoke to from these areas told us they were forced to flee towards the three governorates of Kurdistan, Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniya. It is difficult to move around because of the insecurity. But staff and volunteers are doing all they can to coordinate with the Churches and their clergy.”

The Islamic State (IS) – formerly the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – has made sweeping advances across Iraq, targeting civilians. According to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) to date an estimated 200,000 people have fled the advance of IS, and at least 180,000 have crossed into the Dohuk district of the Kurdistan Region.

CAFOD supports the recent statement by Cardinal Vincent Nichols calling for the ‘protection of all communities’, ‘long-term security’, and prayers for peace:

“It is imperative that the international community ensure the physical protection of all communities in Iraq, their human rights including the right to religious freedom. I urge Her Majesty’s Government to lead the efforts in the face of such a human calamity to help restore these shattered communities, provide them with urgent humanitarian aid and work with others to ensure their long-term security in the land of their birth.

“I encourage our own Catholic community to continue to give generously to our agencies working to support the people of Iraq. Above all, I invite all people of faith to turn to God in prayer this weekend and seek for our world the change of heart and the gift of grace that alone can bring us peace.”

CAFOD says: "Over the last few months we have worked to support Syrian refugees in northern Iraq. Our Church partners in Lebanon are doing everything they can do to support Iraqi Christians as they flee the country.

CAFOD will continue to stay in close contact with its partners in Iraq, and across the region, assessing the changing situation and taking their advice on where we can best provide support.

The solidarity of prayers and donations of Catholics across England and Wales are a source of genuine hope for our brothers and sisters in need."