German-based AlertNet member HELP – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e.V. has been
operational in the northern Caucasus since February, 2000. In the wake of the
latest outbreak of fighting in Chechnya in 1999, the neighbouring republic
of Ingushetia has had to cope with an influx of more than 100,000 internally displaced
people at times. HELP, which mainly distributes non-food relief items, has been
preparing hot meals for schoolchildren in a field kitchen. The project receives
financial support from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO)
and the German government.