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Winds Japan 2-11-5 Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0015 Japan Telephone: +81-3-5451-5400 Facsimilie: +81-3-5451-5401 www.peace-winds.org meet@peace-winds.org |
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| Message
from the Chairperson The Role of NGOs Iraq Mongolia Indonesia East Timor Sierra Leone Afghanistan Iran Activities in Japan Major Activities in FY2003 Organizational Time Line Organizational Structure Financial Statement for FY2003 PWJ English Top |
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Role of NGOs Called into Question Having lived through the 20th century, otherwise known as "a century of war," we welcomed the 21st century, hoping for the new century to become "a century of peace and stability." Today, however, the threat of terrorism and seeds of conflict are casting dark shadows over the world. Conflict is not the only source of unease. The widening gap between rich and poor, leaving people without even the minimum security to which they are entitled, presents a serious problem for the international community. What can we do for these people? Is our activity worthwhile in the face of this chaotic situation in the world? The year 2003 turned out to be a year in which many people have come to probe more deeply into the question of humanitarian assistance, and the role and ability of NGOs in providing it. Why does Peace Winds Japan (PWJ ) stay on in Iraq?  While
the world watched the war in Iraq in 2003 with apprehension, immediately after
the war the country began to take steps forward toward reconstruction. However,
the situation quickly worsened and has deteriorated steadily since. Many humanitarian
organizations also suffered increasing difficulties, making the situation so serious
that their withdrawal, or the scaling down of their activities, became inevitable.
PWJ's activities in Iraq can be traced back to the time of the organization's
establishment in 1996. The first area in which PWJ provided support was the Kurdish
Autonomous Region (KAR) of northern Iraq. Kurdish people had long suffered double
oppressions - one by the international community in the form of economic sanctions
on Iraq, and the other by the Hussein regime particularly in KAR. Despite various
restrictions imposed by the regime, PWJ extended its helping hand to these suffering
people. During the war in 2003,  PWJ
stayed on in Iraq to maintain its on-going relief activities, and to deal with
the new emergency needs arising from the war. The area of PWJ's activities was
expanded immediately following the fall of the Hussein regime to cover needs outside
of KAR. Amid the chaotic situation, PWJ consistently carried out relief activities.
The reason that PWJ continued its endeavor in Iraq is because support is needed
most badly in critical situations, and because the vast number of problems that
have arisen must be attended to without delay. Without urgent and effective action,
possible damage will become more widespread, which in turn will delay rebuilding
of the stricken areas and affect the residents living there. Therefore, PWJ made
every effort to maintain its activities, for it is our wish to help to minimize
the damage and to expedite recovery as much as we can.Pursuing Prompt, Flexible, and Effective Support  Flexible
and timely action is imperative particularly in cases of emergency. Meeting needs
in such cases fits well with PWJ, with its footing firmly in the field. While
carefully ascertaining the needs in the field in order to decide on appropriate
action, PWJ retains the flexibility to deal with any changes along the way. Also
by employing residents in the field, PWJ develops jobs that provide people with
hope for the future, strengthening their will toward restoration. Collaboration
of effort between international staff dispatched by PWJ headquarters and local
employees who are well-informed of the situation on the ground enables PWJ to
carry out its activities most effectively at minimum cost, while building mutual
trust and understanding in the field. As an NGO that operates with the donations
of Japanese citizens, PWJ strives to utilize its time, funds, and human resources
most productively to maximize the effects of its activities.Beyond the Framework of Government  The "non-governmental"
status of NGOs allows each NGO to extend its assistance to those people in need
beyond the framework of the nation-state, a framework which in many cases creates
various restrictions. It was mainly NGOs who sustained the lives of Kurds in Iraq
under the Hussein regime. The same can be said of relief aid to East Timor when it fell into a state of turmoil in 1999. NGOs extended timely support to the people in distress in East Timor without concern for diplomatic relationships with the Indonesian government. Independence from the government widens the range of action NGOs can take. In addition, an autonomous |
