The majority are women and children, says UNICEF. The children’s agency is warning that the violence is the symptom of deep rooted problems, including widespread poverty.
The UN is estimating that as many as 500,000 may need long-term assistance and there are fears that the unrest could affect humanitarian operations in neighbouring Sudan, Uganda and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Children in many of the affected parts of the country have long suffered from chronic malnutrition. The recent violence and subsequent displacement of over 250,000 people, threatens the lives of already vulnerable children and women.
The fighting has claimed the lives of between 500 and 600 Kenyans, according to police reports.
UNICEF is distributing food, water, medicines and shelter to affected populations.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For further information please contact:
Patrick McCormick, UNICEF New York, Tel: +212 326 7426, pmccormick@unicef.org
Miranda Eeles, UNICEF Geneva, Tel: +41 22 909 5715, meeles@unicef.org
Sara Cameron, UNICEF Kenya, Tel: + 254(0)207622977, scameron@unicef.org
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