Media Releases

Africa

23 OCT 2009

Oxfam calls for radical shake-up of aid system to break cycle of hunger

As the Ethiopian government issues an emergency appeal for food aid, international aid agency Oxfam is calling for a radical shake up in the way the world deals with food crises in Ethiopia and other countries. In its Band Aids and Beyond report released today to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the worst famine in Ethiopia’s history, Oxfam said there has been a “knee-jerk reaction” to addressing food crises dominated by sending food aid which fails to offer long-term solutions to hunger.  Read full release »

06 MAR 2009

Oxfam facing expulsion from northern Sudan

Oxfam is one of several major aid agencies facing expulsion from northern Sudan following the issue of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Read full release »

23 JAN 2009

Five million Zimbabweans relying on food aid - Oxfam appeals for Australians to help

With more than half of Zimbabwe's population now dependent on food aid, Oxfam Australia is making a fresh appeal for donations to fund its work in the country. Read full release »

19 DEC 2008

Urgent action needed to help millions of Zimbabweans facing growing crisis

The joint effects of cholera and food shortages are dragging Zimbabwe deeper into crisis with more than 300,000 people in danger from the cholera outbreak, and more than five million people dependent on food aid, international aid agency Oxfam said today. Read full release »

05 DEC 2008

Zimbabwe - Cholera ravages a population weakened by hunger

More then 300,000 people already seriously weakened by lack of food are in grave danger from the cholera epidemic currently sweeping Zimbabwe, international aid agency Oxfam said. Read full release »

26 NOV 2008

Zimbabwe Government should declare a national health emergency

The government of Zimbabwe should declare the current cholera epidemic a national health emergency, so that urgent national and international aid can be mobilised to address the outbreak, international aid agency Oxfam said today. Read full release »

31 OCT 2008

Aid agencies call for Australian Government action on Congo

Oxfam, Caritas and World Vision are calling for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to allow urgent access to tens of thousands of people requiring immediate food, clean water, medical attention and shelter. Read full release »

11 JUL 2008

Oxfam forced to stop activities after violent attacks in eastern Chad

After violent attacks on a compound in Kerfi, Oxfam has suspended its aid operations in eastern Chad. Read full release »

10 FEB 2008

Oxfam's aid effort in Chad three weeks away from total shutdown

Oxfam calls upon the UN and donors to open up alternative land and air routes so that fuel and supplies can reach refugee camps that have been isloated by rebel fighting. Read full release »

19 JUN 2007

Increasing insecurity forces Oxfam to withdraw from Darfur's largest camp

Oxfam International announces their withdrawl from Gereida, the largest camp for displaced persons in Darfur. Read full release »

21 FEB 2007

Aid teams ready to respond as Cyclone Favio threatens more flooding in Mozambique

International agency Oxfam has aid teams in flood-affected Mozambique on high alert as very intense-category 4 Cyclone Favio approaches over the Indian Ocean, bringing with it the threat of more rain and flooding. Read full release »

14 FEB 2007

Oxfam flies in relief supplies to assist thousands affected by devastating floods in Mozambique

International aid agency Oxfam will fly out with 14 tonnes of water, sanitation and hygiene equipment on Thursday 15 February to help thousands of people who have been left homeless by severe flooding in Mozambique. Heavy rains and rising flood waters are forecast to continue in the region this week, which threatens to worsen the situation of up to 285,000 people living in vulnerable areas. Read full release »

14 FEB 2007

Oxfam: Eastern Chad must not become another Darfur

Attacks on civilians in eastern Chad must not be allowed to reach levels seen in Darfur, said international aid agency, Oxfam, today as the UN Security Council prepares to decide whether to send a peacekeeping force to the country. Read full release »

28 JAN 2007

JOINT AGENCIES RELEASE - Humanitarian agencies warn Darfur operations approaching breaking point

Leading Australian aid agencies today warned the enormous humanitarian response in Darfur will soon be paralysed unless African and global leaders at the African Union (AU) Summit take urgent action to end rising violence against civilians and aid workers. They said African Heads of States and new UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon will fail the people of Darfur if they do not take concrete steps to herald the start of a new chapter in the region and ensure an immediate ceasefire is both agreed and adhered to. Read full release »

14 JAN 2007

Somali organisations report of bombings targeting innocent civilians

Oxfam is receiving reports from its partner organisations in Somalia that nomadic herdsmen have been hit in recent bombing raids. According to the reports from local organisations in Afmadow district, bombs have hit vital water sources as well as large groups of nomads and their animals who had gathered around large fires at night to ward off mosquitoes. Read full release »

16 DEC 2006

Hundreds of humanitarian workers temporarily evacuated and aid supply chains interrupted as violence worsens in eastern Chad

A wave of violence has forced the temporary evacuation of over 400 humanitarian staff in eastern Chad in the past two weeks, severely interrupting the provision of humanitarian aid, says international agency Oxfam. The serious deterioration of security in the region bordering Darfur threatens to cause a major health and food crisis for hundreds of thousands of people. Read full release »