Georgia Conflict

The violent conflict between Georgia and Russia has left tens of thousands of people displaced. Here we look at the valuable assistance CARE is offering to those affected by the conflict.

CARE has worked in Georgia since 1992 and is now providing basic necessities to, and assessing the long-term needs, of people caught up in the fighting.

Since CARE’s work began in Georgia sixteen years ago, we have supported people made homeless by ongoing conflict and helped people to earn money by setting up small businesses, among other things. Since the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia, CARE and other humanitarian agencies have been coordinating with the United Nations to provide assistance to tens of thousands of people displaced from their homes by the violence, many with nothing left but the clothes on their backs.

Within one day of the start of the crisis, CARE mounted an emergency response. We continue to assess the scope of the crisis, and to identify and monitor the exact number of displaced people and to assess their specific needs. We have been able to distribute essentials such as drinking water, food, hygiene items and other non-food items to families, including those with children as young as one month old.

When disaster strikes, CARE responds – and we stay to help communities rebuild their lives long after the TV cameras have gone.  CARE’s Country Director in Georgia, Jonathan Puddifoot, said: “We realise it will be necessary to support people devastated by this conflict beyond the immediate emergency. It is crucial to mount a strategy for long-term response, which will enable these people to live in dignity and peace in the long term.”

CARE, in close cooperation with the Ministry of refugees and Accommodation (MRA), is now making preparations to protect these displaced people throughout the forthcoming winter. Temperatures in Georgia can fall as low as 30 degrees below 0 centigrade in the coldest months. Displaced people must be housed in shelters which have heating and insulation. Water supplies and food stocks must be protected from the cold; people must be provided with warm clothes; and sanitation systems must be able to function in the frost.

Head of Emergencies at CARE UK Adam Poulter said, “Over the coming months and years, CARE will work to repair infrastructure for communities and housing for those people who are able to return to their homes. We will support them to plant crops and restock farms. And for those who may need to adapt to a new environment in the long term, CARE will respond to the need for skills training, jobs, and funds for relocation to help them integrate into new communities.”

If you would like to support CARE’s work in Georgia, please visit our Georgia Appeal.