UNICEF chief visits devastated region in Iran

UNICEF chief visits devastated region in Iran

Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF, will arrive in Iran on Saturday, January 10, for a two-day day visit to inspect the damage caused by the earthquake in December and to assess the ongoing relief effort for children affected by the crisis. She will hold meetings in both Bam and Tehran.

On Thursday, January 8, the United Nations launched an inter-agency humanitarian appeal for $31.3 million for 90-day, post-quake rehabilitation. Of that appeal, UNICEF has asked for $14 million to help children who survived the earthquake.

UNICEF's flash appeal will be used to tackle immediate needs, but also lay the groundwork for our long-term presence in the city's rehabilitation. UNICEF's work in Bam will focus on: Ensuring the availability of clean water and sanitation facilities Providing emergency health kits, essential medicines, basic clinical and obstetric equipment and emergency shelter and blankets Assisting with trauma and establishing schools and other safe environments for children Providing hundreds of "school-in-a-box" kits as all city schools were destroyed by the earthquake Identifying children who have been separated from their families and reuniting them with surviving relatives

Within 48 hours of the disaster, UNICEF airlifted 40 tons of essential supplies for the survival of children and women in Bam and Kerman.

Bellamy will be available for interviews in Bam and Tehran. A press conference is scheduled to take place at UNICEF headquarters in Tehran at 10:30 on Sunday, 11 January.

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