“The year started with 168 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. COVID-19 has massively increased these needs. The impact on the poorest and most vulnerable is devastating and levels of human suffering are spiraling out of control,” - Dominic MacSorley, Concern

Ambassador of Ireland, Lesley Ní Bhriain, said: “Concern, Trócaire and GOAL are well placed to implement this essential response work in Sierra Leone, which will help around 400,000 people.”

Globally, 124 million people are suffering from acute hunger and, in some cases, starvation – an increase from 80 million two years ago.

Trócaire is deeply embedded in Irish culture and is an organisation people in Ireland are rightly proud of, said Caoimhe de Barra.

If even a fraction of the learning of Irish agriculture reached Africa it would lift many millions of people out of extreme poverty, says Gorta–Self Help Africa

UN Special Envoy on Climate Change Mary Robinson says international community must do more.

Praises Irish missionaries, "who created strong bonds" between peoples of Ireland and Uganda.

“If we wait to see the images that haunted us thirty years ago before we intervene, we will have failed the people of Ethiopia."

Dedication to ending child hunger and improving maternal health in developing world recognised.

Appointment of Charities Regulatory Authority by the end of February welcomed.