War is over but the suffering goes on

D-DAY IN BOSNIA; CHILDREN OF WAR APPEAL

As Christmas approaches, the Independent is asking readers to support four charities working to help child victims of the wars in former Yugoslavia. Though the fighting has ended and a peace deal has been signed, the suffering goes on. And the children of Bosnia have suffered particularly hard.

So far, the Independent appeal has raised more than pounds 77,000 since it was launched in November and cash continues to pour in for each of the four charities:

Save the Children is focusing its efforts on children who have been separated from their families, counselling and reuniting them.

The Red Cross is running the largest humanitarian operation in the region, looking after refugee camps and linking relatives and friends through its famous messaging network.

War Child plans to build a pounds 2.5m music therapy centre in Mostar, and to send urgently-needed prosthetics to wounded children in the Tuzla area.

Child Advocacy International aims to bring up to 100 sick children to Britain for treatment they could not obtain at home.

Please make your cheques or postal orders payable to the charity of your choice and send them to us with the completed coupon (below).