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Susan Schwartz

Hong Kong's response to humanitarian relief campaigns for Afghan refugees has been poor, with one leading charity raising just $100,000 towards a target of $5 million.

Some organisations have blamed economic instability, while others point to a need to make SAR people relate more to the refugees.

Anticipation of a military strike on Afghanistan has prompted massive internal displacement of the population from urban areas. More than six million Afghans are in desperate need, with winter fast approaching.

Oxfam Hong Kong executive director Chong Chan-yau yesterday blamed the economic downturn for what he called a 'bad' response.

The organisation had hoped to raise $5 million in just over a month but has managed to collect $100,000 since its appeal began on September 24.

'The challenge of the local economy often prevents people from donating to international emergencies but I do believe Hong Kong people are able to give support to the immense humanitarian need of the Afghan people,' Mr Chong said.

The organisation has been forced to hit the streets to ask for handouts and is targeting October 27 and 28 at sites yet to be determined.

World Vision Hong Kong chief executive officer Kevin Chiu Wun-ming agreed that 'uncertain economic sentiments' had made people keep a tight hold on the purse strings.

'Our experience is that Hong Kong people are generous when there are people in need but we have to make them feel relevant to what is happening,' Mr Chiu said.

'Afghanistan is a bit far away and if it were not for this crisis, people probably wouldn't pay attention to Afghan refugees who have been around for a while. Media attention will help people get to know the refugees.'

World Vision launched its appeal on Wednesday.

Hong Kong Red Cross head of international and relief services Bonnie So Yuen-han said this week's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday was perhaps the reason why donations were down. It has raised $110,000 since September 20 - 'not bad for a short period', she said.

The Red Cross has not set a goal for Hong Kong but its worldwide figure is to raise $130 million for food and basic necessities.

The Salvation Army in Hong Kong has raised $18,000 from its September appeal for US victims' families but would not extend its appeal to Afghanistan, spokesman Simon Wong Kwok-ching said.

'We were in Afghanistan seven years ago but pulled out because it's a complicated situation and involves complicated political issues,' he said.

'Of course you have to care for the refugees but safety of our workers is most important. Staff may be taken hostage as bargaining chips.'

Donation details:

Oxfam - Hang Seng Bank account 284-401080-001 or via www.oxfam.org.hk/english/news.

World Vision - HSBC account 018-377077-003; Hang Seng Bank 286-364385-003 or Bank of China 012-883-0-002502-5.

Red Cross - Hong Kong Bank 567-650155-027 or Bank of China 012-806-00008090.



Cash-strapped SAR cold-shoulders plight of Afghan refugees