UNICEF to spend $1.45 million assisting displaced people from South Ossetia, Georgia
Geneva (August 26, 2008) — UNICEF is ramping up its response to the immediate needs of children and their mothers from South Ossetia affected by the conflict in Georgia.
Initially, approximately 30,000 people—80 percent women and children—fled north into the Russian Federation where they were being housed in temporary accommodations and with families.
UNICEF has been asked by the government of North Ossetia to contribute to improving the living conditions of displaced children still temporarily accommodated in public institutions.
UNICEF will now expand the coverage of its current program activities in the Northern Caucasus to meet this request.
Rashed Mustafa, head of UNICEF office in the North Caucasus, said his team had conducted widespread assessments of the condition of children and found that, although they were being well cared-for, there was an urgent need for psychological assistance.
Specialists in this field will conduct further assessments this week to provide psychosocial support to children and women.
"UNICEF has considerable experience in this field conducting an extensive psychosocial recovery program in the aftermath of the Beslan school crisis in 2004," Mustafa said.
Closely paired with psychological recovery is ensuring that displaced children get back to school, a second UNICEF priority in this crisis.
"With the school year starting in just a week, on September 1, there is an urgent need to ensure the children don't miss out on school and to give them a sense of normality," said Mustafa.
UNICEF is preparing to equip the displaced children with essential school supplies including schoolbags, pens, pencils, school diaries and exercise books.
About UNICEF
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in over 150 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions of children die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicefusa.org.
For additional information, please contact:
Richard Alleyne, U.S. Fund for UNICEF Media, 212.880.9177
