The theme of the Guardian and Observer’s 2024 charity appeal is conflict. We are partnering with three charities: Médecins Sans Frontières, War Child and Parallel Histories. Here’s a brief guide to what the charities do, why they do it and how they make a difference.
Médecins Sans Frontières
Also known as MSF, or Doctors Without Borders, Médecins Sans Frontières is an international charity providing emergency medical care in response to conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics.
Its thousands of doctors, nurses, medical support workers and logistics staff set up and run hospitals and clinics in 70 countries across the world, including Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti.
The charity provides impartial care regardless of ethnicity, religion or politics, and receives no funding from the UK, US or EU governments.
“Right now, there is more armed conflict across the globe than at any other time since the second world war, leaving vast numbers of people unable to access the vital medical care that they need. This is why MSF is needed now more than ever,” says Dr Natalie Roberts, MSF UK’s executive director.
Mission: MSF’s share of money raised through the Guardian and Observer appeal will help fund its work across the world, including the treatment of traumatic injuries such as burns, fractures and conflict wounds.
War Child
War Child is the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict. Working in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, it delivers emergency support, protection, education and more in order to ensure a safer, brighter future for the children it works with.
In 14 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, War Child works with local communities and governments to protect children and offer safe spaces where they can play, learn and access mental health support, while also advocating for children’s rights.
“Between April and August 2024, War Child has reached over 1.1 million children,” says its CEO, Helen Pattinson. “Millions more need our specialist help, in conflict zones all around the world. 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.”
Mission: War Child’s share of appeal donations will go towards funding its critical programmes for children – providing emergency aid, education and specialist mental health support to help children recover from the trauma of conflict and to ensure a safe future for every child affected by war.
Parallel Histories
Developing innovative materials and techniques to help schools teach children about sensitive and contested conflicts from Northern Ireland to Israel-Palestine is the core aim of the educational charity Parallel Histories.
Established by a history teacher, the late Michael Davies, Parallel Histories brings together students across community divides to seek common ground. Its approach challenges historical stereotypes and equips students with the skills to formulate their own opinions, communicate ideas respectfully and “disagree agreeably”.
“Our approach is a response to populism and extremism, helping young people learn how to use their voice in civic and democratic society,” the charity says.
Mission: Working with more than 1,400 schools, Parallel Histories will use its share of appeal donations to expand and develop its range of school partners, subjects and materials.
