17 July 2009With the economy severely disrupted and houses damaged or destroyed, there are massive challenges ahead for displaced people in Pakistan as they begin returning
home.More than 2 million people fled their homes during the recent fighting – making this the largest displacement of people worldwide for 15 years.The security situation remains
volatile in parts of the North-West Frontier Province and many families are likely to face hardship as they return. However, the Red Cross emphasises that return must be voluntary, based on people's
own assessment of the situation in their home areas, set against the conditions in the camps and in their host communities.Ensuring safety and dignityThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continues to work towards ensuring the safety and dignity of all people affected by this situation.Simon
Brooks, who was deployed to Pakistan as part of the ICRC's rapid deployment unit, said: "Everyone wants the displaced families to return to their homes as soon as conditions allow. But this means
there needs to be security, basic public services and food. All measures must be taken to ensure the safety and dignity of those who choose to return."The ICRC, with the Pakistan Red Crescent
Society, will continue helping displaced families whether they choose to return, or stay put. Simon continued: "Although the upcoming
monsoon rains will not improve conditions in the camps, we are taking all possible measures to improve them should people choose to stay."Relief distributionsThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will distribute relief items such as buckets, jerry cans, kitchen sets and kerosene stoves to
1,000 families. These distributions are supported by British Red Cross funds.The British Red Cross also deployed junior ward nurse Tim Stevens last week, who is working with the ICRC at their
hospital in Peshawar. Tim said: "I'm happy to be working in Pakistan, this is why I went into nursing in the first place. People are suffering, and it's good to know I can do something to help."Despite generous support received so far, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement still urgently needs an extra £12 million to carry on helping people in Pakistan who desperately need continued support.Read more about the Pakistan Crisis Appeal
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Soldiers keep guard as an internally displaced girl stands next to her belongings while awaiting transport out of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) Jalala camp, about 150 km ...
