The Sussexes Call for "International Community" to "Alleviate Suffering Among Those We Know and Those We May Never Meet"

In response to the devastating crises engulfing several countries, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex penned a thoughtful statement on the "exceptionally fragile" state of our world: "As we all feel the many layers of pain due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are left speechless. As we all watch the growing humanitarian disaster in Haiti, and the threat of it worsening after last weekend’s earthquake, we are left heartbroken. And as we all witness the continuing global health crisis, exacerbated by new variants and constant misinformation, we are left scared."

The full statement published on Archewell:

“The world is exceptionally fragile right now.

As we all feel the many layers of pain due to the situation in Afghanistan, we are left speechless.

As we all watch the growing humanitarian disaster in Haiti, and the threat of it worsening after last weekend’s earthquake, we are left heartbroken.

And as we all witness the continuing global health crisis, exacerbated by new variants and constant misinformation, we are left scared.

When any person or community suffers, a piece of each of us does so with them, whether we realize it or not. And though we are not meant to live in a state of suffering, we, as a people, are being conditioned to accept it. It’s easy to find ourselves feeling powerless, but we can put our values into action — together.

To start, we encourage you to join us in supporting a number of organizations doing critical work. We also urge those in positions of global influence to rapidly advance the humanitarian dialogues that are expected to take place this fall at multilateral gatherings such as the U.N. General Assembly and the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

As an international community, it is the decisions we make now — to alleviate suffering among those we know and those we may never meet — that will prove our humanity.”

I know so many of us have watched devastating scenes unfold from afar and want to help in any small way we can. The Archewell team have reinforced their commitment to continue their ongoing partnership with World Central Kitchen as they continue to offer emergency support in Haiti. The team added: "Like many of you, we are closely watching the crises happening across the world right now, and we are heartbroken. Archewell is committed to putting our values into action, and we hope to do what we can to meet the moment by offering support to the military community and the troops who served in Afghanistan, as well as to the Afghan people facing violence and terror." Additionally - with the effects of the Delta variant felt globally - Archewell is committed to their ongoing partnerships with Global Citizen and Vax Live in the fight for vaccine equity. 

"We recognize that many of you may feel helpless right now as you watch the state of the world spin rapidly. It can feel disorienting and defeating, but we have faith in the power of shared purpose, action, and commitment to our collective well-being." - The Archewell team.  

News on a number of organisations working on the ground in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable was shared, beginning with the aforementioned World Central Kitchen. "On August 14, southern Haiti was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, claiming the lives of over 1,200 people and destroying more than 13,000 homes. Many more are injured as hospitals are overwhelmed and getting vital supplies to people in need is incredibly difficult, partially due to blocked roads. As the damage continues to be assessed, medical assistance, food and water, and sanitation are the top priority for first responders. WCK teams are on the ground now setting up relief efforts to get fresh meals to people in need." If you would like to provide meals please click here.

Women for Afghan Women spent the past two decades growing from a small group of dedicated volunteers to the largest women's organisation in Afghanistan. Every member of that team has been left "heartbroken" by recent events in the country. Despite the uncertainty and violence, their courage and resilience remains unbroken. They are using every resource at their disposal to provide shelter, resource and aids to thousands of women, children and families. Please click here to support their efforts.

Another important organisation is AfghanAid. They are responding to the emergency by supporting families, who in many cases had to flee from their homes for their own safety. They have opened a number of offices to support remote communities. Making decisions with "tremendous uncertainty", they need as many resources as possible. Please click here if you wish to support.

Recent events have been incredibly painful and triggering for those within the military community - particularly those who served in Afghanistan. As you know Prince Harry served two tours in the country during his decade in the British Army. His experiences during those years led to the creation of Invictus and supporting veterans in any way he could. This is a promise he has kept and will continue to for the rest of his life: "Once served, always serving."

In a joint statement, Prince Harry, Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games, and Lord Allen of Kensington CBE, the chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, encouraged the wider military community "to reach out and offer support for one another".

Archewell shared a link to Mercy Corps, an organisation acting as "a connector, a collaborator, a catalyst, and an advocate for change. For 40 years and in more than 40 countries, we help communities forge new paths to prosperity in the face of disaster, poverty, and the impacts of climate change". Their team has mobilized in Haiti. If you wish to donate, please click here.

The team also posted links to mental health organisations Project Health Minds, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and their charity partner, the Loveland Foundation.