Comic Relief

COMIC RELIEF IS a United Kingdom-based charity that aims to end poverty and social injustice at home and in some of the poorest areas in the world. It was launched in 1985 from a refugee camp in Sudan in response to the African famine. Since then, Comic Relief has maintained a special focus on Africa. Comic Relief has a unique identity through its famous Red Nose Day. Every two years, Britons are encouraged to raise money while doing something silly at work, school, or home, wearing a red nose. Many places of employment and education take part. The day culminates in a live television broadcast where television, music, and sports celebrities join in the fundraising antics. The charity aims to mix comedy with serious issues.

Money raised by Comic Relief is distributed to programs through a grant scheme. Work conducted in Africa takes a variety of forms. Civilians in Africa are gravely affected by war and conflict. Communities are often completely destroyed, leaving the poor without access to housing, education, and basic health services, as well as the means to continue their livelihood. In more arid areas of northeastern and southern Africa, pastoralists and hunter-gatherer societies have recently been forced out of the environments upon which they traditionally survived. Governments prefer to use land for more lucrative gain, such as tourism. Comic Relief helps such people to gain land rights as well as support small business and trading opportunities for those who need to supplement their income.

On the other hand, Africa also faces widespread migration from rural areas into towns and cities. Slum areas are created as a consequence. These areas can be especially hard on children, as a lack of employment within families can force children to work or live on the streets. Adults and children who are disabled also face poverty through widespread discrimination in Africa. Children can be hidden away, preventing them from receiving an education. Adults also need support to work independently or play a more active family role. One of the largest issues affecting the poor in Africa is the spread of HIV/AIDS. Over 70 percent of the world's HIV sufferers live in Africa. This disease has had a profound effect on families.

The majority of those living with HIV/AIDS are young adults. Millions of children have lost their parents. Thousands of others face trying to look after them. Women also face further economic responsibilities through the loss of male providers. Furthermore, because of abject poverty, these families are unable to afford the drugs that can stem the progress of AIDS. Comic Relief provides workers, counseling, and drugs to Africans as well as raises awareness about the often-fatal disease.

To reach those suffering from poverty or injustice in the United Kingdom, funds are aimed at different kinds of work. Programs cover local communities to combat social and economic degeneration; refugees and asylum seekers, as those fleeing war and persecution are often forced to leave all they own in their home country; domestic abuse, as this is the largest form of violent crime committed against women in the United Kingdom; fighting for justice, as individuals can face poverty and disadvantage because of the attitudes and discrimination of others—prejudices against the old, for example, can categorize them as unworthy of certain services; and supporting young people as they can be particularly vulnerable to alcohol and drug misuse, homelessness, and mental health problems. As well as fundraising, Comic Relief aims to promote social change through education and raising awareness of subjects such as fair trade and Third World debt.

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