UNICEF appeals $81 million for tsunami’s victims
(Hanoi, 4th January 2005) – Children have accounted for more than one-third of all the deaths from the last week’s catastrophic tsunami, with further 1.5 million affected. These children are in critical need of basic care and support. Some of them have been orphaned or separated from their families. UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy is on a five-day visit to the worst-affected tsunami areas in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. “In the areas I visited – Matara, Batticaloa, Ampara, and Mullaitivu (Sri Lanka) – relief has been getting through. I saw supplies being delivered, clean water in use at shelters, and in some places excellent coordination among the various actors. I have been pleased with the UNICEF role in supporting the government’s relief efforts”, she said. “But the hardest work is still ahead. I am aware that there are parts of the country that have not yet been reached, and that the suffering among the survivors there is severe”. UNICEF is now seeking an initial $81 million appeal to support urgent humanitarian aid for the children in South Asia. The initial appeal, part of a larger UN appeal to be issued this week, will address immediate and emerging needs, and will include: - Emergency immunization to prevent fatal childhood diseases UNICEF in East Asia and the Pacific is also requesting resources from the private sector in the region to help the tsunami’s victims. “Solidarity with the victims of tsunami is especially big in Asian countries. We congratulate the government of Viet Nam for their generous contribution to Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. UNICEF Viet Nam has been approached by individuals and companies in Viet Nam who want to contribute to the initiated relief efforts. We are grateful to receive donations from individuals and enterprises for the children and women in the affected areas” said Mr. Christian Salazar, Officer-in-charge of UNICEF Viet Nam. Help UNICEF help children and families with health care, nutrition, clean water/sanitation, education and child protection. DONATE NOW! Or donations can be made through our bank account at:ANZ Bank, 14 Le Thai To, Hanoi or 11 Me Linh Square, District 1, HCMC. UNICEF Viet Nam Hanoi Branch account 110999 for Vietnamese Dong or Account 110988 for US Dollar All donations should be indicated for “Tsunami Appeal” Or contact UNICEF Viet Nam for further information
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