Message from the Director - July 2007
In April, I had the opportunity to travel to Sudan and meet with the exceptional relief workers who are implementing OFDA-funded activities in Darfur. The environment in which these men and women work is dangerous and stressful, but the results of their life-sustaining activities are supporting millions of Sudanese caught in the middle of a horrifying situation.
The situation has not improved since my assessment, and in the month of June alone, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that a non-governmental organization (NGO) staff member and an NGO community worker were killed in separate incidents in West and South Darfur states, and another NGO worker was injured during an ambush in South Darfur. Also in June, OCHA reported that 11 humanitarian vehicles were carjacked, 2 NGO vehicles were stolen from compounds, and 8 humanitarian convoys were ambushed or looted, including 2 food convoys.
While in Darfur, I met with representatives from each of the NGOs that OFDA funds. Many of them suggested that they are not receiving sufficient psychological support to cope with the myriad daily stresses to which they are exposed. Humanitarian workers possess an exceptional fortitude to serve in dangerous settings, and most know the risks they face. Nevertheless, I came back from my Darfur visit concerned for the welfare of these staff, who are critical in the overall delivery of humanitarian aid. This situation is alarming.
As a policy, OFDA respects the independence and professional decisions of its implementing partners and does not dictate the terms with which its partners provide for the welfare of their staff. However, we would hope that the psychosocial needs of field workers are being met, especially in difficult environments such as Darfur. I note that these are allowable costs under the Office of Management and Budget’s Circular A-122, Attachment B.
OFDA has already begun working with implementing partners to get a better sense of the mental health challenges facing NGO workers in Darfur, Chad, and other volatile locations and to ensure that humanitarian field staff are fully equipped—physically and mentally—to perform their assigned duties.
To humanitarian staff reading this letter, I want to personally commend each and every one of you for the vital work you perform. We understand the daily stresses that you face and are committed not only to the welfare of the populations you serve but also to your own ability to do your job to the fullest extent possible.
Sincerely,
Ky Luu
Director
Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance
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