The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has today launched its Middle East Humanitarian Appeal after deciding that its three criteria have now been met following escalating violence in Lebanon.
Launched in response to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, DEC’s appeal will be match-funded by the government up to £10m and broadcast on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky following the evening news.
DEC’s first appeal since launching its Türkiye-Syria Earthquake campaign in February 2023 will also be broadcast through BBC radio appeals throughout the day.
It comes after insiders at DEC, aid agencies and the BBC reportedly accused the broadcaster of “blocking” a Gaza appeal for fear of getting a backlash from supporters of Israel in its war with Hamas.
Meanwhile, the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have published advice on safe giving to help civilians impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.
Three criteria met
A DEC spokesperson told Civil Society that it has been monitoring the humanitarian situation in Gaza since October 2023, and that its “scale”, “capacity” and “support” criteria have now been met following the more recent conflict in Lebanon.
“With the added recent humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, it’s now agreed that all three criteria have been met to launch an appeal to support people in dire need in the region,” the spokesperson said.
“Our role is to launch a national appeal with our broadcast partners at a time that’ll raise the most money and deliver swift effective aid to as many people as possible.
“DEC couldn’t launch an appeal unless we could be sure of its success on all counts. With the escalating violence and huge displacement in Lebanon, it was judged that all criteria are now met.”
‘All our members are responding at scale’
DEC’s 15 major international development charities include Oxfam, Save the Children and ActionAid.
The DEC spokesperson said that only seven of its members were working in Gaza when the conflict started but now 14 “are able to respond there, and they’ve provided substantial evidence to us that enough aid is being delivered to justify a national fundraising appeal”.
“The additional humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon right now means all of our members are responding at scale there as well, and urgently need more funds to be able to meet the vast levels of need across the region,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson did not specify how much money DEC is hoping to raise, but said “as much as we can to meet the huge levels of need”.
“DEC member charities are responding right now in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, providing lifesaving food, water, shelter, medicine and so much more.
“They’re ready to act wherever the needs are greatest, and as the humanitarian crisis evolves across the region. But they urgently need more funds to meet this level of need.”
‘We need more funds to meet the huge levels of need’
DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “Millions of people, including many thousands of children, are dealing with almost unimaginable trauma.
“Many have been displaced multiple times and have no homes to return to. Now food and medical care is scarce and families face devastating choices to survive.
“DEC member charities are responding right now in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, providing lifesaving food, water, shelter and medicine – this humanitarian support is a vital lifeline for millions of people in overwhelming need of assistance.
“But our member charities urgently need more funds to meet the huge levels of need. We’re asking people to please donate now to save lives.”
Development minister Anneliese Dodds said: “The suffering of civilians impacted by the conflict across the Middle East is intolerable.
“Humanitarian support is urgently needed for the most vulnerable people. Charities play a crucial role in providing help to those most affected and need your support.
“That is why we’re matching public donations to the DEC’s Middle East Humanitarian Appeal to provide urgent humanitarian assistance up to £10m. This will be used to provide life-saving aid including medical supplies, shelter and clean water to those who need it most.”
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