Rapid assessment missions have been deployed to Mexico City, Puebla and Morelos
UNICEF needs £3.4m to respond to the needs of children.
The public can donate: www.unicef.org.uk/donate/mexico-earthquake/
Spokespeople in Mexico and the UK are available for interviews
21 September 2017 – UNICEF has stepped up its efforts to support children following the second earthquake to hit the country in two weeks.
“UNICEF has been supporting children in Mexico for many years but, at the moment, the country and organisations like ours face a great challenge,” says Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Mexico.
“Our priority is to ensure that children and young people are protected and supported, physically and emotionally. As we strive to identify their needs through our evaluation missions, in close collaboration with Mexican authorities and our civil society allies, we express our solidarity and support to the people of Mexico. ”
UNICEF staff specialists have been sent to assess the situation for children in the most affected areas of Mexico City, Puebla and Morelos, while continuing to provide support to children in Oaxaca and Chiapas affected by the earthquake on 7 September.
Through the assessment, the teams will determine the type of support that is needed, in terms of water and sanitation, health, education and child protection.
Unlike the previous one, Tuesday’s earthquake has affected highly urbanised areas during school and work hours. Together with partners, UNICEF is also monitoring and awaiting news of rescues, including of children and young people still trapped underneath the rubble.
“As humanitarian workers, as parents and as human beings, we share the pain of those who have lost their children, as well as the hope of those still awaiting news,” said Christian Skoog. “Our hearts are with you and with all of Mexico.”
Children and adolescents have special needs and that must to be taken into account when responding to the earthquake, and UNICEF calls on authorities to ensure that these needs remain a priority in ongoing relief efforts.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Unicef UK Press Office 020 7375 6030 [email protected]
UNICEF spokespeople available in Mexico City, Puebla & Morelos
About Unicef
Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk