Western world must ‘give more aid’

Press, 7 May 1980, Page 15

Western world must ‘give more aid’

' Unless the Western world faces up to its responsibilities there will be an international holocaust within 10 years, according to the Brandt Commission in its recent report on the needs of undeveloped countries. It is a conclusion with which Mr George Hoffman, director of The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund (T.E.A.R.) “wholeheartedly” agrees. - Two dramatically obvious examples of the result of exploitation could be seen jn Iran and Nicaragua today, he said in Christchurch. “Getting aid to the developing countries is not a question of charity but of mutual survival,” he said. “The Brandt report shows that what is spent on just one fighter bomber could set- up 40,000 health clinics around the world . Half a day’s 'military expenditure by the West cbuld eradicate malaria throughout the world,” said Mr Hoffman. But he did believe that people could do something. In a democratic system, people could, and had a responsibility to make their feelings known. -'"I am convinced we can do a lot more to help people,” he said. “There is a simple distinction in the world today between

clines around the world, and New Zealand, which have the luxury to be able to moan about the standard of living, while three-quarters of the world’s population’s problem is staying alive." Compared with Britain, New Zealand’s contribution to T.E.A.R. aid programmes had been small since the organisation started here four years ago. New Zealand raised $lOO,OOO last year, while $4.5 million was raised in Britain. But, Mr Hoffman said, the most valuable form of aid was through people. Eight New Zealand volun-

teers worked on T.E.A.R. projects around the world today, and many more had helped in the past. “New Zealand has a role to play which is out of all proportion to its size. New Zealanders have a world image of integrity, efficiency, and ability to communicate quietly and effectively,” he said. Mr Hoffman liked things small mainly because close personal contact was most effective. For that reason he was not in favour of forming the different aid agencies into one organisation. “It is a cliche, but it is true that you have to help people help themselves. The greatest cause of hunger and poverty is unemployment, and you have to solve that root problem.” he said. Formed 12 years ago in response- to a‘ famine in Bihiar, India, T.E.A.R. is supported by nearly all the Protestant churches in Britain. In spite of its religious affiliations it had never been barred from any country, and had worked successfully in many Muslim nations. Mr Hoffman will visit Invercargill, ..‘Wellington, Auckland, and'’.Palmerston North. He wwill-’ 'give lectures and seminars on how aid can best be used in developing countries.