Countries in Crises

Palestine

Inspired by the success of the ‘Together for Palestine’ live music event in London, this Norwich concert-protest is both a fundraiser and a call to action in response to one of the gravest humanitarian crises of our time. Taking place at Voodoo Daddy’s, in the heart of the city, the event brings artists, activists and the wider community together in solidarity with the Palestinian people. All proceeds from the night will go directly to charities providing urgent humanitarian aid in Palestine (as well as Ukraine and Sudan; see below).

A recent report by the Lancet suggests the death toll in Gaza in the first 16 months of the genocide was over 75,000. Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, basic infrastructure destroyed, and over two million people pushed to the brink of survival. This devastation has sparked mass protests worldwide, forcing the decades-long struggle for Palestinian liberation back into global focus.

The roots of this crisis lie in a century of colonial intervention, displacement and occupation. From the 1917 Balfour Declaration to the 1948 Nakba,when over 750,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes, Palestinians have endured systematic dispossession. Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, its settlement expansion (unlawful under international law), and the Gaza blockade imposed since 2007 have contributed to severe restrictions on Palestinian rights and their freedom of movement. It has entrenched inequality and fostered recurring violence, with many human rights organizations describing the overall system as amounting to apartheid.

We do not believe in having to choose between recognising the horror of October 7^th 2023, and calling out the genocide which followed and which the world saw all too clearly. Together, we demand justice, freedom and dignity for all, and most of all (in the context of this event), the Palestinian people, and we use our voices, our art and our community to insist that Palestinian lives matter.

~written by Alyssa~

Sudan

Sudan, a country of 46 million people in the Horn of Africa, is grappling with conflict. Over 150,000 people have died amidst an almost 3-year civil war.

The renewed conflict began in April 2023, in wake of on-going tensions over Sudan’s leadership. Millions of Sudanese have been displaced, with the region also grappling with the tragedy of widespread famine.

In the midst of the chaos and conflict, humanitarian relief organisations are operating in Sudan, with efforts to provide healthcare and support for civilians in need.

LiveUEAid hopes to raise awareness and showcase solidarity with all those affected by this and other conflicts. Profits from the concert will go directly to humanitarian work in Sudan, Palestine, and Ukraine.

~ written by Jamie~

Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has been facing a severe humanitarian crisis rooted in years of political tension and armed conflict. The invasion has led to widespread fighting across the country, with cities and towns damaged or destroyed by airstrikes, shelling, and occupation.

Millions of people have been forced to flee their homes, both within Ukraine and across its borders, as infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted. Essential services, including healthcare, energy, heating, and access to clean water, have been severely disrupted, particularly during the winter months. Civilians, especially children, older people, and disabled people, face heightened risks as access to medical care, safe housing, and psychological support becomes increasingly limited.

As the war continues, humanitarian organisations are working to provide emergency aid such as food, medical assistance, shelter, and trauma support. Funds raised through Live UEAid will help these organisations deliver life-saving assistance and support communities as they work to survive and rebuild amid ongoing conflict. When the scale of the crisis feels overwhelming, buying a ticket is one small way to offer practical support to the communities that need it most.

~ written by Paris~

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Why the name “Live UEAid”?

The name Live UEAid takes inspiration from Live Aid, the landmark 1985 charity concerts held at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.

Bringing together some of the world’s biggest artists, the event was broadcast globally and raised millions for famine relief in Ethiopia and other African nations, showing just how powerful music can be in mobilising people for humanitarian causes. That same spirit continues to influence events like ours.

However, Live UEAid responds to a different kind of need. Past charity concerts often mobilised support around famine and humanitarian emergencies, but sometimes separated suffering from its political causes. Live UEAid does not seek to do that. Instead, we are aware that in the cases of Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan, conflict and political instability are central to understanding the long-term displacement and hardship these communities face.

Our aim is to use music in the same unifying way as 1985’s Live Aid, while recognising humanitarian crises in their full context. We hope to use this event to raise funds, build awareness, and stand in solidarity with those living through these conflicts.