Tuesday, February 14, 2006

INTERSOS: Committed To Assist The Victims Of Natural Disasters And Armed Conflicts

BMatters beyond my control make it impossible for me to write longer articles at this time; so I am going to simply post relevant information found on today's NGO - INTERSOS

"INTERSOS is an independent no-profit humanitarian organization committed to assist the victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts.
It was founded in 1992 with the active support of Italian Trade Unions.

"INTERSOS activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable and unprotected people.

"INTERSOS identifies with the core values of the Italian Association of Non-Governmental Organizations and adheres to the international humanitarian codes of conduct and to the values and principles expressed in these codes. INTERSOS is recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the main UN Agencies. It enjoys the consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

"INTERSOS is an independent organization that was created to provide an effective response to crisis situations in the poorest regions of the world, where the population is deprived of their rights and dignity and their basis needs are uncovered.

"INTERSOS has a flexible operational structure, with the central headquarters in Rome, in charge of planning and coordination of operations, and of field offices in the countries of operation. The bodies that, according to the Statute of the organization, orientate, decide and control the activities and its finances are: the Assembly of Members, the Council, the Auditing company.


Their Goals are stated in the following manner:

"To give immediate response to humanitarian crises, by bringing relief to victims of armed conflicts and their long-term consequences (poverty, disability, mines and explosive devices, etc.), and of any other natural or man-made calamity.
To begin, along with the relief intervention, laying the groundwork for return to stability, reconstruction and development.
To activate, stimulate and involve Italian society, in order to develop and spread the culture of international solidarity.


While they operate in the African nations of Angola, Burundi, Chad, D.R. Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan INTERSOS also operates in Central America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Based in Italy, INTERSOS is an active member of the following organizations:
Association of the Italian NGOs - The platform of Italian development and humanitarian aid NGOs.

Forum Solint - NGO Forum aimed at promoting joint growth and reflection on major issues related to international dynamics, strategic choices and operational practices in development cooperation and humanitarian aid.

Forum del Terzo Settore - Umbrella gathering Italian no-profit organizations engaged in social actions.

CONCORD - European Confederation of Development and Emergency NGOs (through the Representation of the Italian NGOs).



This is a brief overview, but for a better look at INTERSOS take a visit to their web site.

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