16.09.1999

Direct aid for Turkey

Appeal from Day-Mer Turkish and Kurdish Community Solidarity Centre

The Turkish government has shown itself to have reacted irresponsibly once again, leaving its citizens to deal with the situation themselves.

Tens of thousands of people were left alone in the rescue work, trying to dig up tons of debris with their bare hands. As time went by, hope for those trapped faded away.

In addition to tens of thousands of people killed, lost or injured, hundreds of thousands are affected materially as well. Past experience indicates that these people will receive nothing from the government but undelivered promises.

There has been very little state-coordinated rescue work, and almost all of this has been concentrated on the navy base in Golcuk, while the ordinary people in many earthquake-hit areas have received no help. This too raises suspicion as to how the aid received by the government is to be distributed.

Therefore it is very important for the people of Turkey to get support directly from the people of other countries. Please contribute to our hardship fund.

Also emergency goods and clothing will be very valuable. The most needed items are medicine, children’s food, nappies, underwear, corpse bags, plastic bin bags, heavy work gloves, etc. All goods and funds will be delivered to the relief committees set up by democratic mass organisations in Turkey with a lorry hired for this purpose.

These organisations, which include human rights organisations, trade unions and community groups, can guarantee that all aid received will go directly to people in need.