Caritas Australia has urged Australians to give generously in support of the community-to-community response to the floods in Pakistan.

Jamie Davies, Acting CEO of Caritas Australia, said on the Christian Today website: "As the emergency worsens and international donor support trickles in, we're hearing that some aid may not be reaching flood victims in the spirit of compassion and impartiality we strive for - this is always a risk when need so dramatically outweighs our capacity to respond."

Pakistan has been overwhelmed by scale of this emergency and at times international organisations lack the trust of local communities. For this reason the Caritas network always draws on longstanding local community partnerships in its emergency responses.

"The international Caritas network has supported long-term development projects in Pakistan for many years, fostering strong relationships with communities through our local partner organisation Catholic Relief Services.

"We worked together successfully on the 2005 Pakistan Earthquake response and despite the complex nature of this month's unprecedented disaster we have been able to provide immediate relief to those who need it most," said Ms Davies.

She said the organisation works through trusted local partners in the affected regions to the most vulnerable and remote communities.

"Our work calls us to uphold and enhance human dignity, ensuring that people who need help receive it regardless of their religion, ethnicity, culture or gender.

"As images and stories from the emergency continue to reach our news bulletins in Australia, the support for Caritas Australia's South Asian Floods Appeal has picked up. We're encouraged by Australia's compassion, but very aware of the real and great needs that are going unattended."

FULL STORY

Community partnerships key to effective engagement in Pakistan (Christian Today)

PHOTO CREDIT

Screenshot from Water-borne Disease Epidemic Feared For Pakistan Flood Survivors on YouTube