UNICEF: Women and children most vulnerable in Pakistan

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/pakistan_51552.html

NEW YORK, USA, 26 October 2009 Women and children in north-western Pakistan are once again on the move because of conflict in the region.

"Overall, the situation is quite precarious," said UNICEF Senior Emergency Specialist Marc Salvail. "Luckily, the UN had established bases so that we could act swiftly. The latest influx of internally displaced people comes not as a surprise, but we had not expected that such a large number would move in so few days."

Despite the challenges, UNICEF has had success in reaching vulnerable children and families. Nearly 180,000 children from South Waziristan, and their hosts, have been immunized against measles many for the first time in their lives. UNICEF is monitoring the situation very closely and is preparing to help those who become newly displaced in the coming weeks.

But little is known about the status of those who remain in Waziristan. "We have no access. We have no real information coming out of those areas that are quite restricted," said Mr. Salvail.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• Pakistan
• women
• children
• conflict
• Marc
• Salvail