MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (May 8, 2009) — World Vision is responding to a call by Pakistani authorities to assist an estimated 200,000 new internally displaced persons (IDPs). Intense fighting between militant groups and the Pakistani Forces in and around the Swat valley has driven families from their homes, adding to the 550,000 people already displaced over three years of violence.

“With the loss of many innocent lives and tens of thousands of children and parents on the run, we need to act as a matter of urgency, securing strong local partners and funding to quickly provide relief,” said Canadian Graham Strong, Country Director for World Vision Pakistan.

World Vision plans to build on its own relief expertise and capacity by working with partners, focusing its aid efforts on people displaced from Buner and Swat who are seeking refuge in IDP camps located in Mardan, Swabi and Charsada — which are some 130km from the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. A World Vision team is visiting the area to address the needs and plan the relief response.

World Vision is particularly concerned for the health and protection of displaced children and women who make up half of the population in the Swat valley area.

Pakistani authorities and aid organizations including World Vision are meeting regularly to plan and coordinate the further relief response. Top priorities are providing shelter, health care, clean water and sanitation, food and education.

World Vision has operated in Pakistan since 1992. World Vision does not have child sponsorship programs in the country. Communities in five districts of Pakistan benefit from our intervention targeting health, water and sanitation, education, and psychosocial support. World Vision Canada funds more than $780,000 in projects that focus on community farming for families, child rights which ensures that children have access to quality services, and improvement in the standard of living after the earthquake that hit Pakistan in October 2005.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

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To interview World Vision staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@WorldVision.ca

Alex Sancton
905-565-6200 ext. 3949
416-419-1321 (cell)
alex_sancton@WorldVision.ca