Statement on Pakistan Crisis

11/05/2009

Ottawa, ON (May 11, 2009) HUMANITARIAN COALITION member agencies are working directly or through partners in Pakistan as the crisis in the north of the country develops. CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec and Save the Children Canada are all carefully monitoring the situation and preparing appropriate humanitarian relief activities.

In this complex and rapidly evolving crisis in northern Pakistan, HUMANITARIAN COALITION member agencies are providing additional aid through existing programs, including urgently needed food, water and medical supplies. Though total estimates vary, hundreds of thousands of civilians are known to be directly affected by the fighting between the Taliban fighters and the Pakistan army. Though at present many of these displaced people are finding shelter through their families and friends, some are relying on existing refugee camps in the region which are being extended in order to accommodate those requiring assistance.

Member agencies are carrying out assessments across the region and will help people either return to their homes or find temporary shelter until they judge it safe to return home. In the next few days the information from these assessments will determine the types of programs and scale of funding support that could be required to assist those affected by this crisis.

For more information, please contact the member agencies at the coordinates provided in the right-hand column.