For immediate release, Wednesday 20 May, 2009

Oxfam New Zealand Launches Pakistan Emergency Appeal

Massive needs set to escalate as people continue to flee fighting in Pakistan.

Oxfam New Zealand has today launched a Pakistan emergency appeal, calling on the New Zealand public to respond generously and help raise $150,000 for its humanitarian programme to help people who have escaped the recent fighting in Pakistan.

Oxfam New Zealand’s appeal is in support of the international appeal aiming to reach 360,000 people with essential humanitarian relief and services, especially water and sanitation.

The international development agency warns that the humanitarian crisis is set to worsen as the number of people fleeing the conflict in the northern Swat Valley escalates.

“We are witnessing a deluge of humanity pouring out of the conflict zone. Thousands of people have been uprooted and fled the fighting, having to walk for hours in intense heat often leaving with little or no possessions,” said Neva Khan, Oxfam country director in Pakistan.

“They are in a state of shock, exhausted and bewildered. Food is in short supply. The risk to people’s health will increase with the overcrowding and lack of washing facilities, especially for women.”

This latest exodus comes amid renewed fighting between Pakistani government forces and armed groups and brings the total to 2 million people who have fled their homes since August 2008 to escape the clashes.

Scores of civilians have reportedly been killed or injured in recent weeks of clashes and many thousands more have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Oxfam is working closely with local organizations providing clean drinking water, latrines, shelter and hygiene advice to people in camps and also to those staying in often cramped, difficult conditions with host families whose resources are already overstretched.

An estimated 1.5 million people have registered as displaced since the beginning of the April - the biggest internal displacement in Pakistan’s history - with thousands more estimated to be on their way from the conflict affected area in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province.

Aiming to reach the most vulnerable women, men and children, Oxfam International has been providing humanitarian relief and development in Pakistan for more than 35 years.

In support of the international appeal, New Zealanders can make donations online at www.oxfam.org.nz or by calling 0800 400 666 (24 hours) or 0900 600 20 to leave an automatic $20 donation.

ENDS

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