The council of Japan Platform, formed by
the representatives of Japanese NGOs, the government, the academics,
the business sector, and foundations, met on 28th September in Tokyo,
Japan and the council sends the deep condolences to the victims of
the terrible acts in the United States.
The council unanimously approved to
start relief activities by the participating NGOs for the refugees
of Afghanistan. The NGOs participating in the Japan Platform will
supply tents, foods, and daily necessity goods for the refugees in
Pakistan. The fund for the activities comes from the Japan Platform whose
principal donor is the Japanese Government. (Approx. $5 million allocated)
The NGOs of Japan Platform sent the mission to the Northern Afghanistan in August and September to investigate the deteriorating situation of the refugees and the internal displaced persons affected by the long-time draught and the internal conflicts. Under the coordination of UN agencies, the NGOs crafted the project for emergency assistance for the people in the Northern Afghanistan to survive the hard times in winter.
Due to the drastic change of the situation, the plan was interrupted. The NGOs, closely working with the various bodies of the United Nations, will work for emergency humanitarian activities in the neighboring countries in Afghanistan. The investigation and procurement activities are under way in Pakistan. Overseas emergency assistance of this scale and speed will be the first experience for Japanese NGOs and the Japan Platform will ask the further support from Japanese people.
The Japan Platform is a system to effectively and quickly provide emergency relief in natural disasters and refugee situations. The system is structured to realize an equal partnership of NGOs, businesses and government, with each partner making full use of its resources and characteristics.