World Vision spearheads efforts to protect children fleeing Mosul

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

World Vision has deployed a mobile child protection team on the outskirts of the embattled city of Mosul, spearheading efforts to care and protect some of the 5 million children in need of humanitarian assistance in Iraq.

The leading international aid agency is one of the first to respond in the area where a massive influx of children and families is expected, World Vision’s head of Programmes in Northern Iraq, Aaron Moore said.

“In most cases, they have nothing; they are tired, hungry, thirsty and in need of shelter and a bed to sleep. The emotional toll is also beginning to show as they were all terrified to talk about the horrific experiences from which they have fled.”

Working in the newly constructed Zelican camp, north-east of Mosul, World Vision’s child protection staff are also creating safe spaces for children. 

“Our child friendly spaces provide a safe place where children can find some normality in the chaos, receive psychosocial support and just take time to play as children again amidst the chaos of conflict,” Mr Moore said.

World Vision is also working around the clock to pre-position supplies of food, clean water, showers, latrines and hygiene kits.

“We’re anticipating approximately 700,000 people to be seeking refuge at various camps with 250,000 moving into the Ninewa area where camp Zelican is and another 100,000 people towards the Erbil area. These numbers will rise dramatically in the coming weeks.”

Mr Moore said that staff’s main concern was the safe passage of children and their families out of Mosul and surrounding villages.

The aid agency is already responding to the needs of hundreds of thousands of people who fled Mosul when it was first taken by ISIL in June 2014

Donations to World Vision Australia’s Mosul Crisis Appeal can be made at: World Vision Mosul Appeal

For interviews with World Vision spokespeople on the ground in Iraq, please contact:

Charmaine Waduge +61 (0) 433 903 503, Charmaine.waduge@worldvision.com.au

 

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Media Releases, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

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