When we came to choose the theme of our 2024 charity appeal a few weeks ago, we quickly realised it would be impossible to ignore that this has been an especially harrowing year of conflict, war and human suffering across the world.
In the Middle East, the shocking and brutal attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023 was followed by the devastating offensive on Gaza by Israel. The destruction and violence in the war have left tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians dead and countless more traumatised, homeless and starving. The conflict has spread into Lebanon and the situation in the occupied West Bank is increasingly dire.
In Sudan, a bitter civil war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in a humanitarian disaster that has contributed to and been exacerbated by catastrophic levels of food insecurity, leaving the country in terrible famine. In Ukraine, nearly three years of war after Russia’s invasion have caused civilian death, displacement and distress.
Other armed conflicts, perhaps less well known, but also leaving a trail of terror, chaos and grief, include those in Haiti, Colombia, Central African Republic, Myanmar, Syria, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Confronted by such overwhelming suffering – with all too often no easy solution in sight – it is natural to feel powerless and despairing. These conflicts demonstrate an increasingly uncertain and volatile world, and a charity appeal can feel insignificant in the face of deep-rooted geopolitical enmities and hatred.
We ask you to support the Guardian and Observer appeal in a spirit of optimism and defiance, as a signal of commitment to peace, human rights and social justice, and as a gesture of solidarity with the millions of people whose lives and livelihoods have been destroyed through war and violence.
Perhaps, above all, it is a tribute of thanks to the extraordinary bravery of the frontline professionals in our partner aid charities who put their lives on the line, working in conditions of unimaginable stress to help the victims of conflict.
The first of our three charities is Médecins Sans Frontières, whose doctors, nurses and medical support staff provide emergency care to tens of thousands people injured in conflicts across the world. Its share of appeal donations will help fund the treatment of traumatic injuries such as burns, fractures and other wounds.
Second, is War Child, which works in some of the most dangerous parts of the world providing emergency aid, specialist mental health support and education to help hundreds of thousands of children recover from the trauma of conflict. “We know how to change the lives of children who are caught up in wars they did not start, and the vital funds raised from this appeal will allow us to reach them and make this impact,” says War Child.
Third, is Parallel Histories, whose aim is to give schools the techniques and confidence to teach sensitive and contested histories, from Israel/Palestine to Northern Ireland. It believes a deeper understanding of the roots of conflict can help young people find common ground across divides and provide an antidote to populism and extremism. It will use its share of appeal donations to expand and develop its range of school partners, subjects and materials.
Over the next few weeks our journalists will highlight the inspiring work of our charity partners. Our charity appeal telethon takes place on Saturday 14 December when our great journalists will be on hand to take your calls and donations. The Guardian Bookshop will donate 20p from every order received until 31 December to the appeal.
Since 2015, Guardian and Observer readers have raised more than £13.5m for good causes through our annual appeal including supporting refugees, fighting child poverty and tackling the climate crisis. Your generosity has been incredible and enduring. We hope we can inspire you to donate once again.
