Urgent Appeal:Iraq Needs Help

Due to the disastrous situation in Iraq and due to the humanitarian catastrophe, above all affecting the civilian population and especially Iraqi children, we, the editors of Zeit-Fragen, would like to urgently propose to all Swiss hospitals and to hospitals in other countries to provide emergency relief. As an immediate measure every hospital could make room and medical care available for at least one child with a close relative, at best the mother.
With this appeal for immediate help we would also like to address all schools in our country and in other European countries (especially in Germany and Austria), to admit one Iraqi youth. Traumatized by the long-lasting war and often deprived of their father or of both parents, these youths would be greatly aided by a willing reception on the part of a school community or a group of classmates in a host country. Not only would this measure save lives, but it would enable young Iraqi students to continue their education, and would also represent a contribution to their country’s future. For the pupils and teachers of the receiving school it would be an opportunity to provide spontaneous help for a fellow student from a threatened country, something that would enrich their lives, strengthen them in their human commitment and also
create solidarity between the two countries. It is human nature to help others in need. Particularly in Switzerland, a neutral state with a humanitarian tradition, it must become a matter of national concern to take action in this manner. The same would apply to Germany and Austria.
Hans-Christof Graf von Sponeck (former Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations) and medical doctor Eva-Maria Hobiger (Gesellschaft für Österreichisch-Arabische Beziehungen GÖAB – Society for Austrian-Arab Relations), are in touch with Iraqi groups inside and outside the country and have declared their readiness to assist making contact. Current Concerns is in close contact with Iraqi medical doctors inside and outside the country.
We are presently endeavouring to establish a recognized trusteeship, i.e. an experienced and reliable mediator in Switzerland, to organize this aid. We urge all our readers to support us in this specific matter. As soon as an adequate structure is created, it will be advertised on our website and in the next edition of Current Concerns.
Specifi c suggestions can be presented to the editors of Current Concerns,
phone +41 44 35065 50,
or via email to: CurrentConcerns@zeit-fragen.ch
Thank you very much for your assistance!