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World Vision Calls for Child-Focused Solutions at U.N. Conference on Iraqi Refugee Crisis Agency’s report identifies urgent needs in areas of education, health and resettlement Washington, DC, April 17, 2007— A new report — launched today in Geneva by international aid agency World Vision — calls for urgent global action on behalf of Iraqi children living as refugees in neighboring countries. Of the 2 million who have fled the violence in Iraq, more than half a million are school-age children, many with no access to education or psychological support, according to research by World Vision. World Vision joined other non-governmental organizations at the UN High Commission for Refugees conference in Geneva today to call for a way forward for refugees in host countries such as Jordan and Syria. The agency is calling special attention in its report to the plight of children. "These findings expose the harsh reality that Iraqi children and families are facing in the region," said Ashley Clements, emergency advocacy specialist for World Vision and author of the report. "The needs of children must be front and center as the world addresses this refugee crisis." The new report, Trapped! Unlocking the future of Iraqi refugee children, highlights psychological challenges experienced by refugee children, many of whom shared with World Vision researchers terrifying accounts of violence, kidnappings, murder, and bombings during their life in Iraq. The trauma experienced by these children has come to the attention of local organizations, but resources to help them are few. In addition, many children do not have access to public schools because local schools are overcrowded and refugee families lack legal status in host countries. "School is vital for these children to regain a healthy routine and some social interaction," said Clements. "Beyond the obvious educational benefits, daily classes provide a safe and structured environment to address the social and psychological needs of children who are currently isolated." The report outlines recommendations for governments, the UN and the aid community on how to improve the lives of refugee children, including the following:
Through local partners, World Vision is assisting 10,000 refugees in Jordan with food, basic household items, health care and education programs for children. World Vision hopes to expand its response as funding is secured and additional partners identified. The organization has served vulnerable and impoverished families in the Middle East for three decades. - END - For photos, stories or interviews with World Vision staff, contact Rachel Wolff at 253.815.2072 (office), 253.394.2214 (cell) or rwolff@worldvision.org. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press. |  | Who Is World Vision? World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.. Media Contacts
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