Date Published: 31 October 2008

UNICEF delivers aid to displaced children in DR Congo

In a statement issued this morning UNICEF Spokesperson, Shima Islam, said:

"UNICEF with help from its partners on the ground is delivering much needed life saving aid to children and their families displaced by recent fighting in Eastern Congo.

After a brief suspension, UNICEF is re-starting its humanitarian operation today and will be delivering high protein biscuits to displaced children and medical kits to people who have been newly displaced. Water purification equipment from Rwanda will be used to provide people with much needed safe, clean drinking water.

UNICEF is concerned about possible outbreaks of disease, such as cholera and measles as well as children who may have been separated from their parents. These children may be more vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and violence."

UNICEF is currently appealing for £3 million to the meet the needs of people who have been newly displaced and host families in Eastern Congo.

About UNICEF
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. (Statement from unicef.org)

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