Islamabad, Pakistan, July 16, 2009—As the return of some 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Pakistan's northwest gains momentum, World Vision is underscoring both the right of the displaced to return voluntarily and the need for sustained security and safety in areas of return.
World Vision is particularly concerned with the protection and assistance the vulnerable require and is working to ensure that the rights and needs of the displaced are met. Those most at risk include children (especially unaccompanied minors), expectant mothers, mothers with young children, female heads of household, persons with disabilities and elderly persons.
Conflict between government forces and militants not only caused an unprecedented people movement-half of whom are children—but also destroyed homes, infrastructure and livelihoods when agricultural fields had to be abandoned.
"Many people do not know the condition of their village or homes, yet the desire and willingness to return home is strong," said Edward Kibirige, World Vision response manager for the displacement crisis.
"There has been reported nervousness regarding security from the IDPs going back to Swat. Some families have sent one or two male members to first scout out the situation in terms of security before making a decision to send the entire family," he said. Kibirige went on to explain that the people are keen to secure their properties and assets, such as livestock, and escape the scorching heat of the valley.
"The government stresses that all returns are voluntary, which has been one of the key issues for the humanitarian community," said Kibirige. The UN High Commission for Refugees reportedly signed an agreement with the government of the North West Frontier Province to ensure that the return continues to be voluntary and that people are well informed about what the conditions are in the areas of return.
Buses and trucks with escorted security vehicles are transporting families back to their mountain villages from camps established for the displaced and from host communities, where the majority of families sought refuge.
World Vision has focused its resources on meeting the needs of displaced families in host communities, which have borne the burden of caring for thousands of people, often strangers. The organization has provided family kits, water purifiers and six-month cash support to particularly vulnerable families and is also providing psychosocial support for children through two Child-Friendly Spaces in Buner.
World Vision is now assessing the need to redirect activities in areas of return to ensure the immediate needs of families, particularly children, are met, as well as to address the longer-term issue of livelihood recovery.
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World Vision staff in Pakistan are available for interviews. Please contact Rachel Wolff at 253.394.2214 or RWolff@worldvision.org.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit www.worldvision.org/press.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
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