03 January 2005
NGO MONITOR'S GUIDE TO CHARITIES IN THE TSUNAMI ZONE

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In response to requests for information on reliable charities and humanitarian organizations responding to the immense tragedy in South East Asia, NGO Monitor has prepared a short guide and ratings. The NGOs that devote their resources exclusively or primarily to humanitarian assistance are at the top of this list, while those who use funds to pursue political and ideological objectives receive lower ratings. (**** Indicates the highest rating; * is the lowest)

Detailed analyses and information sources on which these ratings are based can be found in the Infofiles section of the NGO Monitor website.

• This California based NGO devoted to "improve the health of people...who are victims of natural disasters, war, and civil unrest," is truly a humanitarian and apolitical organization. According the NGO Monitor's assessment, this organization's activities indeed reflect a non-discriminatory approach, "without regard to political affiliation, religious belief, or ethnic identity."

• CARE implements its stated mission of serving individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world" without attempting to further a political agenda. The activities of CARE provide an example of a humanitarian NGO carrying out its work under difficult circumstances in a professional manner for the benefit of those in need of its assistance programs. In contrast to many other NGOs that promote a political agenda, CARE fulfils its mission, concentrating on practical humanitarian activities.

• Although occasionally departing from its apolitical mission, MSF generally provides effective assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, "without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation." However, in some cases, as documented by NGO Monitor, MSF personnel have violated the pledge to "respect their professional code of ethics and to maintain complete independence from all political, economic and religious powers."

• Oxfam International (a loose confederation from 12 countries) collects a great deal of money to distribute annually in the effort "to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice," and in response to humanitarian disasters. However, some Oxfam branches have engaged in highly politicized and ideological campaigns in the Arab-Israeli field, which have contributed to the conflict.

• SCF is a broad international alliance that defines itself as a 'children's rights organization' and works mainly in education, health and trauma counseling. However, some of its activities, including the 'Eye to Eye' project in Gaza, have been exploited as a vehicle for pursuing a highly politicized agenda.

• This Christian relief and development organization "conducting child-focused emergency relief, sustainable community development and advocacy" is also very active in politics. World Vision's Jerusalem office has been engaged in anti-Israel propaganda, in violation of its mission statement.

• CARITAS is a confederation of Catholic relief, development and social service organizations, which uses its activities to promote a biased ideological agenda, particularly in supporting Palestinian attacks on Israel.

• MCC claims to be the "relief, service, and peace agency of the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches". However, it also promotes anti-Israel propaganda and hatred through the "Peace Office Newsletter", abusing its humanitarian work for political incitement.

• Claiming to be "Fighting for a world without poverty", this explicitly political organization uses economic issues to further its agenda, including a "Palestine campaign" that promotes the demonization of Israel.

• Despite its stated goals "To further charitable purposes, which relieve or combat malnutrition, hunger, disease, sickness or distress throughout the world", Christian Aid's extensive involvement in politics undermines claims to be primarily a charitable and humanitarian organization. The prominence of its political agenda was recently highlighted in the "Child of Bethlehem" campaign.

Click here for an update of major Israeli and Jewish charities assisting tsunami victims.