WIREDGOV

As the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in Iraq, UNICEF and other humanitarian actors are stepping up efforts to meet the urgent needs of up to 30,000 members of the ethnic Yazidi minority who are being extracted from Sinjar Mountain, in addition to helping meet the needs of a further 12,000 displaced Christians who are now sheltering in the Kurdish capital, Erbil. 

“UNICEF remains extremely concerned about the survival and fate of thousands of children trapped in the Sinjar mountains, as well as those who have reached a safe haven,” said Dr. Marzio Babille, UNICEF Iraq Representative. “We are working around the clock to deliver aid to the increasing number of people who have been brought off the mountains, but who now suffer from acute dehydration, exposure, malnourishment and shock.”

In response, UNICEF has moved 30 truckloads of relief supplies closer to areas where displaced people are arriving, in addition to conducting distribution of life-saving aid throughout Dohuk Governorate. 

Among supplies delivered over the last 24 hours have been 1,100 cartons of emergency food rations, 500 cartons of high-protein food supplements, 40 boxes of oral rehydration solution, and 15 climatized 72-square meter wide tents. In all, the response plan for the next 48 hours will total nearly 60 tonnes of emergency aid.

Additionally, UNICEF, in close collaboration with the Kurdistan Regional Government, is planning a mass cash transfer programme amounting to five million USD that will immediately provide thousands of displaced families with the means to purchase their basic needs on the local market. 

Since August 2nd, UNICEF and its implementing partners (ACTED, DRC, Mercy Corps, NRC and Save the Children) have distributed humanitarian aid to 73,452 children, women and their families in 20 locations throughout Dohuk Governorate alone. These critical deliveries have included 552,216 bottles of water, 44,282 packs of emergency food rations, 10,016 buckets, 10,000 bars of soap, 9,378 hygiene kits, 5,500 jerry cans, 1,500 blankets, and 1,000 hygiene baby kits. 

In Erbil, where nearly 12,000 people have sought refuge from violence, UNICEF has distributed 78,000 bottles of water and installed three water storage tanks. UNICEF staff are also monitoring the situation of children separated from their families and for any grave violations of child rights. In close collaboration with the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop, UNICEF is helping establish a reception and support centre for displaced families. 

Notes to editors:

For further information, please contact the UNICEF UK Media Office, 0207 375 6030 media@unicef.org.uk

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UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  UNICEF UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work and advocates for lasting change for children everywhere. We are a UK registered charity, supported entirely by voluntary donations. We do not receive any money from the UN. For more information, please visit unicef.org.uk