Emergency Update: Crisis in Georgia

Posted: 13 August 2008

Fighting between Russia and Georgia in and around the Georgian breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia has caused mass displacement of ordinary people.

Oxfam is deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Georgia. The international aid and development agency is calling on all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law and do everything in their power to protect all civilians from harm. Tens of thousands of people have fled from their communities in and around the breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Many have been taken in by friends or family, but we believe others are in urgent need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

The exact scale of the humanitarian situation in Georgia is not yet known due to difficulties with access resulting from ongoing violence.

Oxfam and their partners are currently gearing up for a humanitarian response to the crisis in Georgia. Staff in Georgia, including Oxfam's regional humanitarian coordinator, will be carrying out assessments in and beyond the capital of Tbilisi in the coming days if security permits.

Initially, Oxfam will provide non-food items such as blankets and sanitation kits to displaced people in Tbilisi who have fled areas of conflict. We are prepared to provide similar assistance in North Ossetia, Russia, if asked. The Russian government, however, is reportedly assisting the displaced population there.

Oxfam International also supports partner organizations in Georgia who work in the areas of micro-finance, health, and other areas. Many are located in the embattled town of Zugdidi near Abkhazia and an Oxfam partner is based in Gori. Most partners have suspended operations due to the conflict but at least one Oxfam partner called GYLA is reportedly providing legal assistance to IDPs in Tbilisi. Another doctor who works for an Oxfam-supported health NGO traveled to Gori to assist the injured.

More information about Oxfam's response to this crisis will be provided as the situation in the region develops.