ID :
16708
Fri, 08/22/2008 - 23:37
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http://m.oananews.org//node/16708
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POL: Pakistan: Conflict leaves tens of thousands in dire need of aid
Islamabad, Aug 22 PPI: Armed conflict has intensified recently in Bajaur Agency on Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, leaving more than 200,000 displaced people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) launched a relief operation to help 64,000 of them, on both sides of border. ``In recent days, large numbers of civilians - mainly women and children - were forced to flee their homes in Bajaur Agency for relatively safer areas in North West Frontier Province and other tribalagencies,'' said Pascal Cuttat, ICRC's head of delegation in Pakistan.
``Despite efforts of local authorities and NGOs, these displaced people are in urgent need of basic necessities such as food, clean water and shelter. Lack of medical care is a problem for sick people, particularly children.'' Together with Pakistan Red Crescent Society, ICRC delivered medical supplies tohospitals receiving bulk of injured, in and around conflict-affected areas.
Blankets, jerrycans, clothing, tarpaulins, soap, washbasins and buckets are being distributed to about 50,000 displaced persons. Food is also on its way for displaced population. Joint ICRC and Pakistan Red Crescent teams are on the ground to assessneeds.
``Some people have found refuge with host families who themselves are poor and are now depleting their resources by feeding more people. For these families, obtaining enough food is main problem. Some larger families have also had to deal with overcrowding in their homes after taking in displaced people. We are therefore helping both displaced in host communities and those sheltering in publicbuildings'' said Cuttat.
``In Kunar province in Eastern Afghanistan, ICRC is planning to deliver emergency food and non-food aid to close to 14,000 displaced people who have fled Bajaur Agency in Pakistan,'' said Franz Rauchenstein, ICRC head of delegation inAfghanistan.
ICRC reminds all those involved in armed conflict of their obligation to comply with international humanitarian law. They must ensure civilian population is respected and protected in all circumstances, take all feasible precautions to spare civilians from effects of hostilities and must also allow delivery of emergency relief andmedical supplies for people in need.
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) launched a relief operation to help 64,000 of them, on both sides of border. ``In recent days, large numbers of civilians - mainly women and children - were forced to flee their homes in Bajaur Agency for relatively safer areas in North West Frontier Province and other tribalagencies,'' said Pascal Cuttat, ICRC's head of delegation in Pakistan.
``Despite efforts of local authorities and NGOs, these displaced people are in urgent need of basic necessities such as food, clean water and shelter. Lack of medical care is a problem for sick people, particularly children.'' Together with Pakistan Red Crescent Society, ICRC delivered medical supplies tohospitals receiving bulk of injured, in and around conflict-affected areas.
Blankets, jerrycans, clothing, tarpaulins, soap, washbasins and buckets are being distributed to about 50,000 displaced persons. Food is also on its way for displaced population. Joint ICRC and Pakistan Red Crescent teams are on the ground to assessneeds.
``Some people have found refuge with host families who themselves are poor and are now depleting their resources by feeding more people. For these families, obtaining enough food is main problem. Some larger families have also had to deal with overcrowding in their homes after taking in displaced people. We are therefore helping both displaced in host communities and those sheltering in publicbuildings'' said Cuttat.
``In Kunar province in Eastern Afghanistan, ICRC is planning to deliver emergency food and non-food aid to close to 14,000 displaced people who have fled Bajaur Agency in Pakistan,'' said Franz Rauchenstein, ICRC head of delegation inAfghanistan.
ICRC reminds all those involved in armed conflict of their obligation to comply with international humanitarian law. They must ensure civilian population is respected and protected in all circumstances, take all feasible precautions to spare civilians from effects of hostilities and must also allow delivery of emergency relief andmedical supplies for people in need.
