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Tutu appeals to world to give generously to Pakistan

20 Aug 2010

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other leaders are calling on the world to give "more quickly and generously" to help millions of people affected by floods in Pakistan.

The Elders, a group of distinguished independent leaders, warned that the situation in Pakistan was deteriorating rapidly and that little aid was reaching many of those affected.

Some 3.5 million people are now at risk of water-borne illness such as hepatitis and diarrhoea. The Elders said the scale of the flooding was "disastrous" and that its long-term impact would be felt by around 20 million people.

Tutu appealed to governments and individuals to give as generously as they did in the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and the massive earthquake that struck Haiti in January.

"I urge people all around the world to hold the people of Pakistan in their hearts and in the heart of the human family at this time," he said.

"Let us not for a moment allow ourselves to feel that some are less deserving of our help than others.

"It is time for us to stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan. Please give generously and help to share their enormous burden as they struggle to recover."