Refugee relief in Kosovo has come under attack from Oxford-based charity Oxfam.

Bosses warned the international community was in danger of failing the Kosovo Albanians and said refugees were living in far worse conditions than they should be.

The charity is one of the biggest helping the refugees and the Oxford Mail has launched a campaign for funds. Oxfam needs donations to improve water supplies in refugee camps. It said camps in Macedonia were dirty and overcrowded, and in Albania were under increasing pressure. The charity said the aid effort lacked co-ordination and the United Nations needed to provide better leadership.

Oxfam warned camp construction was not efficient, services were not adequate, and future planning did not cater properly for the winter months.

Spokesman Charles Walker said: "The situation is at crisis point in Macedonia, with people living in desperately overcrowded camps. "There is urgent need for a better co-ordinated and more coherent response, with UNHCR taking on a more robust leadership role."

Donations, made payable to Oxford Kosovo Appeal, should be sent to Oxfam at 274 Banbury Road, Oxford 0X2 7DZ, or you can call 01865 313131.

Story date: Wednesday 19 May

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