A co-ordinated Isle of Man appeal to raise funds for refugees fleeing Syria has launched today.

The Isle of Man Government’s International Development Committee, the One World Centre and Isle of Man registered charities that are members of the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) are working together to ensure that fundraising on the Island contributes to established and ongoing relief efforts.

The British Red Cross, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Oxfam and Save the Children are all running their own specific appeals for the crisis in Syria.

In addition to this, the One World Centre is mobilising its network of volunteers to run public collections this weekend in Castletown, Douglas and Ramsey. The funds will be equally divided between the five Isle of Man registered DEC member charities.

The International Development Committee has also taken the unanimous decision to use the Emergency Aid budget for August and September to provide support. ?50,000 will go towards the five DEC members’ appeals, equally split with ?10,000 for each. In addition, the Committee will be providing ?50,000 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide assistance to refugees arriving in the Mediterranean. Funding will support search and rescue operations, reception centres for small island communities and emergency medical centres.

Including this latest aid, the Isle of Man Government, on behalf of the people of the Isle of Man, has donated ?444,417 to support the international community’s response to the crisis.

Chair of the International Development Committee, Phil Gawne MHK, said: “I think everyone in our community will have been moved by scenes of the recent surge in refugees fleeing Syria, many of who are making their way to Europe and risking their lives in the process through perilous journeys.

“There is a clear desire to help, but it is important that we do so in a co-ordinated way so that funds raised have the maximum impact and quickly reach the vulnerable people they are intended for.

“Directing funds to established appeals operated by respected and experienced charities that already have people on the ground seems the most effective way to achieve this.”

Members of the public wishing to donate can do so online using the following links:

• British Red Cross
www.redcross.org.uk/RefugeeCrisisHero

• Christian Aid
www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/areas-of-concern/refugee-crisis.aspx

• CAFOD
www.cafod.org.uk/Give/Donate-to-Emergencies/Syria-Crisis-appeal

• Oxfam
donate.oxfam.org.uk/emergency/refugeecrisis?intcmp=hp_hero_refugee_donate_2015-09-04

• Save the Children
www.savethechildren.org.uk/about-us/emergencies/child-refugee-crisis-appeal

Meanwhile, Cabinet Office has reiterated Government’s position on accepting refugees.

As a Crown Dependency the Isle of Man cannot act on its own but must work within the United Kingdom’s policy on refugees.

Following the announcement this week that the UK would accept up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next 5 years, Cabinet Office is currently seeking clarification of the conditions guiding the UK Scheme to understand whether the Isle of Man may have any role in helping to deliver this commitment. Should this be the case, Council of Ministers would have to consider a number of practicalities, including financial and other necessary support.