Peace Winds: Humanitarian Relief in Middle East Conflicts
PWA and PWJ are implementing steps to strengthen our collaborative response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises around the world. By further aligning our missions and integrating operations, we will better leverage the U.S. and Japan’s resources and expertise to provide relief and humanitarian leadership to vulnerable areas.
Since its founding in 1996, Peace Winds Japan has provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to vulnerable populations around the world. PWJ has a long and established presence in the Middle East. Today their focus is on refugees and displaced persons affected by growing conflicts in the region. Peace Winds provides support through WASH (Water and Sanitation, Hygiene Assistance) programs, shelter and housing construction, education/training, and livelihood programs.
Iraq | 1996 – Present
Since 1996, Peace Winds Japan has providing relief to Iraq in the form of medical care, water and sanitation, schools, and social welfare. From 2003 through 2011, PWJ renovated elementary schools, addressing the lack of classrooms and aging school buildings.
Since 2012, with the influx of refugees from Syria, Peace Winds has distributed emergency relief goods of food and non-food items to refugees in Domiz Camp in the Dohuk Governorate. Since 2014, Peace Winds has supported internally displaced people in Iraq by constructing shelters and wells at the Gawilan Refugee Camp.
Afghanistan | 2001 – Present
Peace Winds began emergency support in Afghanistan in 2001, implementing several development projects, including construction of schools, restoration of roads, agricultural assistance, and excavation of wells and improvement of income-generation for women.
In 2003, PWJ targeted resolving chronic water shortages in the basin of the Sarepul River. Peace Winds also provided vital information for planning effective land use in the region.
Today, following the deterioration of local security, Peace Winds is strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations in Afghanistan by cooperating with several NGOs in Japan and Afghanistan.
Gaza | 2015 – Present
After the 2014 conflicts, Gaza’s unemployment rate increased, especially for young people. In 2015, PWJ conducted a cash for work project in three of the hardest-hit provinces: North Gaza, Khan Yunus, and Rafah. This project provided employment opportunities to 210 young people so their families could purchase essential necessities while also providing a foundation for these young people to begin their careers. Peace Winds continues to partner with a local NGO and civil society groups to implement more programs to help provide young people with economic stability.
READ MORE about Peace Winds’ work in the Middle East.
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