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STORY: UN / MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
TRT: 1.33
SOURCE: UNICEF
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 17 JULY, 2006, NEW YORK CITY
1. Tilt down, exterior, UNICEF house
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Afshan Khan, Deputy Director of Emergency Programmes, UNICEF:
"In Lebanon, we have also seen more than fifty thousand people that have taken refuge in schools, and another three to four hundred thousand on the move in the country fleeing violence. So we're both afraid of children who may be separated from their families as well as the sort of trauma experienced by children both psychologically and physically as a result of this crisis."
3. Close up, UNICEF sign
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Afshan Khan, Deputy Director of Emergency Programmes, UNICEF:
"In Gaza there's been a protracted conflict which has been ongoing for some time. In the last three weeks we've seen shortages of electricity, water, fuel and real problems with respect to waste management and disposal. So that means an increased likelihood of spread of disease and waterborne diseases for children. There we're really trying to build up by helping provide support through local communities for additional water, support for sanitation, some measures to psycho-socially train workers to be able to work with children who are traumatized by the conflict."
5. Wide shot, UNICEF house
UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) today expressed serious concern about civilian casualties and new risks to health from escalating violence in Lebanon and Israel:
Civilian deaths include dozens of children, with many more injured. The psychological impact is serious, as people, including children have witnessed the death or injury of loved ones and destruction of their homes and communities.
In Lebanon alone, more than 200 people have been killed and more than 550 injured. Hundreds of thousands of people are reportedly internally displaced, with more than 30,000 finding refuge in schools and public gardens in and outside Beirut.
The movement of medical supplies and ambulances to the affected areas is seriously curtailed. Unobstructed access for humanitarian assistance is critical to stave off needless death and suffering.
The protection of civilians during conflict is an obligation under international humanitarian law. Unhindered humanitarian access to health facilities for the injured, for those who need care for chronic conditions, and for pregnant women, is equally critical to the prevention of more civilian deaths in this crisis.
