By Alishba I. Kassim

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

 

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Pakistan’s 2 million refugees displaced by the fighting in the Swat Valley are now facing threats of disease as they cope with unsanitary conditions due to damaged water and sewage systems.

“There are major challenges facing the displaced and those still caught in the conflict areas. Health facilities have been damaged or destroyed,” said Eric Laroch, assistant director-general of the Health Action in Crises Cluster of the WHO. Since most of the displaced people are living with host communities, there is an “enormous strain” on the region’s health-care system the UN reported. 

Pakistan’s refugees are threatened with diarrhea, measles, and respiratory infections as a result of the strain on the health service. So far the WHO’s early warning system has been able identify and control more than 30 potential communicable disease outbreaks. However, the refugee crisis is likely to worsen. “A displacement crisis the government said would only last for weeks looks set to go on for months with no relief in sight,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty’s Asia-Pacific director. 

Pakistan’s government said that by June 30, civilians may be able to start returning to their towns and villages within a week. However, the offensive is still going strong and it is unlikely that they will be able to return soon. The recent fighting has produced the largest exodus in Pakistan since the country’s founding in 1947 and the UN said that only about a quarter of the funds it requested for the refugee crisis have been received. Meanwhile, in absence of effective aid from such agencies, hard-line Islamist charities are using this time to help the refugees and garner support. 

For more information, please see:  

Bloomberg – Pakistan’s Refugees Face Disease Threat – July 3, 2009 

Miami Herald – Pakistan Short of Aid to Resettle Refugees –  July 2, 2009  

New York Times – In Refugee Aid, Pakistan’s War has New Front – July 1, 2009