UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mahmoud Kabil appeals to Arab countries: help Darfur children, now!

Kabil visiting Darfur Camp

Cairo, March 6th, 2005 --- Following a visit to Darfur, UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa Mahmoud Kabil issued an appeal to Arab countries to support children and women who have carried the brunt of the conflict. “It is not possible that the children of this region are suffering so much with almost no Arab support to UNICEF activities. Also, I saw very little Arab presence on the ground in Darfur, with the exception of some very brave NGOs”.

Kabil spoke of his visit to displaced camps in West and South Darfur, where services were being provided to several thousand displaced people, some of the 2.6 million affected by the conflict. So far, UNICEF support has achieved:

• Health: support to 175 fixed and mobile units, 1.3 million children immunised against polio and over 2 million against measles. 75,000 malnourished children received support through 100 feeding programmes.

• Water and environmental sanitation: 1.2 million people have access to safe water through 150 water systems are supported including tinkering, pumps, and water yards. 30,000 latrines serve 800,000 people in schools, health facilities and families.

• Education: 1200 classrooms have been built and 54 schools repaired serving 170,000 children. School supplies continue to be provided.

• Child protection: 130 safe areas serve 85,000 children together with intervention on trauma treatment, and prevention of violence against women.

But needs remain larger than available resources: 1.2 million people lack safe water, 70% of children are out of school, and women and children are subject to violations. So far, UNICEF has received less than 20% of the US$135 million requested for Darfur in 2005.

UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador Mahmoud Kabil will call on the Secretary General of the League of Arab States to report on his mission to Darfur and seek support on mobilising Arab support for UNICEF humanitarian work.

“Today, I appeal to Arab governments, Arab development funds, and Arab civil society to step forward and provide concrete, practical support to UNICEF activities in Darfur. We have a moral imperative to redirect our attention to what continues to be the worst humanitarian crisis in today’s world and make every possible effort to engage leaders and help relieve humanity from this calamity. Here and now, the Arab world has a responsibility to promote the dignity and well being of the children and women of Darfur”, Kabil concluded.

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For further information please contact

M. Anis Salem
Regional Communication Adviser
UNICEF MENA-RO
E-mail :asalem@unicef.org
Mobile: +962-79-557-9991

Wolfgang Friedl
Communication Officer
UNICEF MENA-RO
E-mail: wfriedl@unicef.org
Telephone: + 9626-5502-422
Mobile: +96279-573-2745

Simon Ingram
Communication Officer
UNICEF Egypt Country Office
E-mail: singram@unicef.org
Tel: + 202 526 5083 thru 7
Mobile: + 2012 214 2567

Nagui Kodsi
Communication Officer
UNICEF Darfur / Nyala
Mobile: + 249 912 167 158
E-mail: nkodsi@unicef.org