Nepal Earthquakes

[off...@iplc.org]

In April, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal. This earthquake and the aftershocks that followed have led to an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. One of the poorest countries in the world, Nepal is now in desperate need of resources to recover and protect its citizens, especially as monsoon season draws near. Many impacted families lack access to food, shelter, healthcare, or schools. Unfortunately, recovery and rebuilding efforts are complicated by the fact that the Nepalese government has to pay nearly $600,000 a day towards its foreign debt.   Jubilee USA Network, an alliance of organizations and faith communities of which the ELCA is a member, is spearheading an international effort to support Nepal's recovery efforts by cancelling the country's overwhelming debt.   Please join Jubilee USA and ELCA Advocacy in urging the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to provide immediate debt relief to Nepal so that the government can redirect these funds towards recovery and rebuilding efforts.   Click here to sign the petition now!   About this international petition: We urge the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cancel Nepal's $23 million in debt through the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCR). This debt relief trust fund was created for poor countries in crisis as Nepal is currently experiencing; and We call on the World Bank to immediately cancel Nepal's debt and begin work on an emergency debt relief fund similar to IMF's Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCR). Creating a similar funding mechanism will help the World Bank achieve its twin goals of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and promoting shared prosperity. Our ongoing response to the Nepal area earthquake: Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Nepal, as rescue efforts and assessments continue. Your gifts are needed to support the emergency response!   Click here to learn more about Lutheran Disaster Response in Nepal and give now! Click here to sign up for the ELCA Advocacy Network today! Also, stay up to date on Advocacy efforts by following us on social media. Facebook: ELCA Advocacy    Twitter: @ELCAadvocacy