Legal sector in NI supports appeal to deliver clean water in Gaza

Members of both the Law Society and the Bar of Northern Ireland are among those lending their financial support to the Water for Gaza appeal by Concern Worldwide to raise £250,000 in 12 weeks. The aid organisation hopes to provide clean water for the next three months for 21,000 people desperately in need in Gaza.

The escalation of conflict has displaced nearly two million people in Gaza. Nine in every 10 people have no access to safe water. Children are dying from dehydration and disease. Hospitals are overwhelmed and basic sanitation has collapsed.

In direct response, Concern has joined forces with the legal sector and businesses in Northern Ireland to raise vital funds. So far, almost £100,000 has been pledged.

The money will be used to truck in 50,000 litres of safe drinking water every day, build 56 toilets and install water tanks, and provide essential hygiene items.

The emergency programme is being delivered on the ground in Gaza by Concern’s trusted partners who are already providing clean water to vulnerable communities. Despite restrictions to aid supplies, they are authorised to truck in water from the few desalination plants still in operation in Gaza to help meet people’s basic needs.

They are also installing sanitation facilities and have supplied the last functioning children’s hospital in Gaza City with life-saving filtration equipment.

Jackie Trainor, Northern Ireland Director of Concern Worldwide (UK), said:

“People in Northern Ireland know what it means to live through conflict. That history has forged a deep empathy for ordinary people caught up in conflict. Once again, our community here is stepping up to help – determined that families in Gaza should not be left without access to clean, safe water.”

Law Society President, Colin Mitchell, said:

“At times of crisis, Northern Ireland’s business and legal sectors have always come together to make a difference. By supporting Concern Worldwide, we can help deliver something as essential as clean water to families in desperate need of help.”

Donal Lunny KC, Chair of the Bar of Northern Ireland, said:

“Concern is bringing this Water for Gaza appeal to the attention of more than 700 independent members of the Bar in Northern Ireland. It will enable them to contribute to this response to provide life-saving assistance to families who are facing unimaginable hardship.”

Concern is now calling on businesses, philanthropists, civic leaders, schools and communities across Northern Ireland to join the effort – pledging funds, mobilising networks, and amplifying the call for action.

To find out more, visit: concern.org.uk/waterforgazani

For more information, please contact Darren Vaughan, Senior Communications Officer at Concern (UK): [email protected]