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Message
From the Chairperson
Dear friends and supporters,
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) has now entered its 8th year of
activities. It is my pleasure to present to you the annual report covering our
latest fiscal year ending January 31, 2003. I would like to express my deep gratitude
to all of you who provided PWJ the support and cooperation that made all the activities
reported here possible.
In 2002, the world shook over the issues concerning Iraq, where PWJ first began
its activities in 1996. The tense situation gradually escalated as the year progressed,
and we hastened to prepare for the worst to come. Finally, war broke to our regret.
PWJ stayed in Iraq even during the war, providing emergency medical aid and distributing
basic necessities to meet the needs of those in distress.
While the world's attention was drawn to Iraq, the need for assistance in other
areas persisted. In Afghanistan, PWJ continues its support endeavors while conflicts
still smolder. Here, the core of our activities has shifted from emergency relief
to rehabilitation assistance. However, conflicts among old warlords often flare
up, halting our activities now and then. In Sierra Leone, although the domestic
situation began to stabilize, the inflow of refugees from Liberia rapidly swelled,
because of the civil war in the neighboring country. PWJ is now trying to cope
with the problem of growing refugees from Liberia as well as to help restore the
villages of Sierra Leonean returnees. In Mongolia, we are pushing hard to relieve
children from severe poverty. In East Timor and Indonesia also, we are continuing
our longstanding efforts in support of a self-sustaining society.
There are few instances where the media report on such critical situations. The
lack of attention on the part of the international community ultimately allows
new conflicts to occur and delays any solution to on-going problems. PWJ is determined
to carry on its operations with an eye firmly set on each of the situations, so
that we may efficiently deliver our assistance to the people in need. For this,
we ask for the continuing support from our friends: individuals and organizations,
in and out of Japan.
On behalf of all staff of PWJ, I thank you very much for your support during FY2002.
I strongly hope that we may continue to strive on together for what we believe
to be important humanitarian work.
Masaru Ishibashi
Chairperson, Peace Winds Japan
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