Children increasingly vulnerable in Pakistan conflict
Vijita Kumar, UNICEF USA
NEW YORK (October 25, 2009) — As the six–month old conflict between the government and militant forces continues in north-west Pakistan, over 112,000 residents of the South Waziristan province have fled their homes. The vast majority of displaced people are women and children. As military operations in the province intensified 32,000 people have had to flee their homes in the past week itself. Relief agencies are predicting the number of displaced people to reach as high as 250,000 and are putting plans in place to meet their needs.
Already vulnerable children even more now
The displaced women and children come from one of the poorest areas of Pakistan and this situation makes them even more vulnerable. Since the beginning of the conflict children have witnessed violence, have not been able to attend school or get access to health services regularly.
To date, most families that fled their homes are staying with relatives or friends or in rented accommodation. The huge influx of displaced women and children means that large numbers of people are living in overcrowded spaces often resulting in unsanitary conditions. Such living situations provide fertile grounds for the outbreak of water borne diseases to which children are particularly vulnerable. Overcrowding also puts children at risk of not getting adequate food leading to malnutrition.
UNICEF remains committed to children despite security risks
Children in Waziristan are in urgent need of safe water, clothing, food and health care and UNICEF remains committed to delivering essential services and supplies to those in greatest need.
Since September, UNICEF has provided access to safe water to more than 45,000 displaced people by repairing water supply systems and installing water pumps. UNICEF has also distributed hygiene kits and water storage containers to 5,000 families to prevent the outbreak of water, sanitation and hygiene related diseases.
As part of efforts to provide basic health care services a measles immunization campaign was conducted in October that reached nearly 180,000 children. Another measles immunization campaign in the coming months will cover the continued influx of newly displaced families. UNICEF is also supporting providing food and adequate nutrition to improve the condition of moderately–to–severely malnourished children and pregnant women.
In addition to efforts addressing water, sanitation and health related issues UNICEF also provided school supplies to get children back to school as soon as possible.
To ensure that children are protected from the effects of armed conflict, UNICEF is strongly urging all parties to take immediate measures, and that aid workers and supplies for children and families in conflict areas have safe passage.
