UNICEF responds to emergency needs of children and women affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, May 2008 - UNICEF South Africa has joined forces with the cities of Johannesburg, Ekhuruleni, and Tshwane, areas hardest hit by the violence, to provide emergency relief supplies to meet immediate needs of vulnerable women and children.

Days of violent attacks on foreign nationals, migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers and South African citizens living in some of the country’s informal settlements have had a severe impact on the lives of thousands.

The provisions, include adult hygiene kits, food, clothing, and blankets as victims of the violence for the most part fled their homes with few or no possessions. They will help ensure that babies, young children and mothers are adequately clothed, safely and appropriately fed and that basic hygiene is maintained.

Exact figures vary, but at least 17,000 people have been displaced in Gauteng alone, among them a minimum of 6,000 children and women. Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal Provinces are also reporting large numbers of displaced people.

To date, UNICEF has delivered the following emergency supplies to the South African Red Cross and the City of Johannesburg Migration Desk:

500 long-sleeve T-shirts for children
510 blankets
Essential food for children
500 infant-feeding cups

Needs grow as temperatures plummet

Monday temperatures plummeted to 5 degrees Celsius in Johannesburg and 10 degrees in the capital city of Tshwane, as South Africa headed into its winter season, exacerbating the need for warmth and shelter. While many civil society organizations are providing for immediate needs with basic food (bread, soup, juice, etc.), many sites still report a shortage of fortified cereals for young children. To ensure adequate nutrition, UNICEF has committed to assist with fortified cereals for young children.

Supporting early childhood care

Current figures from the Government‘s Disaster Management Services indicate that the number of babies and young children with mothers are significant. Later this week, UNICEF will supply 35 locally procured Early Childhood Development (ECD) kits containing basic play and stimulation materials and an instructional booklet with ideas. The kits can meet the needs of 1000 children. And, to provide traumatized children with a sense of stability in the midst of a disruptive situation, UNICEF will also support ECD partners to organize play groups and establish on-site crèches.

UNICEF contributes to the emergency response effort organized by the Joint Operational Centres (JOCs) of the City of Johannesburg, Ekhuruleni Metropole, and the Province of Gauteng and coordinates its efforts through United Nations sister agencies, under the leadership of IOM, with support from OCHA.