Red Cross launches urgent appeal for Europe refugee crisis

The British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal as the refugee crisis in Europe continues to escalate, with hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need of emergency relief.

The number of people forced to flee violence and conflict today is the highest since World War II. Many people are dying on these dangerous journeys to safety in Europe and those that do make it are being subjected to immense suffering.

Countries across the continent are struggling to provide basic support for those arriving, meaning organisations like the Red Cross are on the frontline of this emergency.

Head of emergencies for the Red Cross, Ben Webster said, “People are arriving in Europe with very little – some only a family photo and the clothes they left in. “

“We urgently need supplies such as food, water, nappies and hygiene kits as well as emergency medical treatment – your support can make a huge difference.”

Red Cross volunteers across Europe are working around the clock to support hundreds of thousands of refugees as they attempt to reach safety – from Turkey to Hungary to Greece to the UK, the Red Cross is striving to support people who flee war and persecution.

Ben Webster added, “We are in the midst of one of the biggest humanitarian disasters of our time.  Millions of people are being forced to risk their lives in a desperate search for safety as conflicts rage around the world.”

To donate, go to: www.redcross.org.uk/refugeecrisis