Save The Children Knows No Borders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Save The Children Knows No Borders

Afghan refugees are arriving in Pakistan by the thousands. Save the Children knows no borders – we are working in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States to help children affected by the conflict.

The events in the US were a tragedy. However, it is crucial that we do not overlook the humanitarian needs of the thousands of Afghan children caught up in this crisis. Afghanistan is war torn after over 20 years of violence. As ever, children are the worst victims of conflict. In Afghanistan, one in four children die before the age of 5, there is one doctor to every 50,000 people and just 10% of girls gain an education. Severe drought means that the food shortage is now critical – the World Food Program has announced that it has no more than 10 days worth of food left for the 1 million people dependent on their help. Within Afghanistan, there are currently 1.2 million internally displaced people, many of whom are fleeing to seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan.

Save the Children is working in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Afghanistan Save the Children is continuing to distribute food in the north and providing health care. In Pakistan, Save the Children is preparing for a refugee exodus into the North West Frontier and Balochistan Provinces, and will provide shelter, food and health for the refugees.

Save the Children’s Afghanistan Programme Manager Julian Smith has been evacuated to Pakistan where he continues to work with Afghan refugee children. He has extensive knowledge of the harsh reality in Afghanistan and is available for interview now.

Save the Children is helping children in the United States by running after school trauma counselling for children, and deploying expert trauma specialists in schools.

Save the Children announced today that part of the funds raised from our Annual Appeal (2 to 8 October) will be sent to help children affected by the conflict.

Ends
Julian Smith, Afghanistan Programme Manager, is available for interview. Please contact Alena Lynch for further details.

Alena Lynch Marketing Assistant
Phone 04 385 6847
After hours 021 137 6694
E-mail alena.lynch@scfnz.org.nz

Editor’s Notes
Save the Children has been working in Afghanistan since 1976 running health and education programmes for children.

Save the Children is an international alliance of 30 organisations working to make the world a better place for children in over 100 countries around the globe. Save the Children is the largest independent movement for children. We deliver immediate and lasting improvements to children’s lives worldwide.

Save the Children’s Annual Appeal week is 2-8 October. Collectors will be calling around the country. Donations can also be made via:
- Our website www.savethechildren.org.nz with a secure on-line donation facility
- Freephone 0800 167 168
- By posting the Annual Appeal envelope with a donation

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