Protect children in camps, says UN Women

UN Women country representative Clara Anyangwe has asked families living in camps in Chikwawa to protect children, especially girls from sexual abuse.

She made the remarks on Saturday at Kanseche Camp where the organisation donated assorted items worth over K6 million to women and girls living in the camp.

Anyangwe said when people have been displaced and crammed in a small area, sexual abuse likely takes place.

She said: “When disasters like these happen, it is mostly women and girls who are vulnerable.

“Therefore, there is need to provide them with essential needs so they can live a dignified life although they are not living in their homes.”

Anyangwe said the donation was in support of government’s efforts to ensure people affected by the floods are assisted in every way possible.

Chikwawa district commissioner Ali Phiri commended UN Women for the support, saying Chikwawa was the hardest-hit and Kanseche area was the most affectedwith nine villages swept away, forcing people to relocate to a nearby village.

He said: “The truth is that these people need so much, especially basic needs.

“We, therefore, plead for more support to cater for 500 households which is equivalent to 3 000 people.”

Department of Disaster Management Affairs commissioner for disaster affairs, Charles Kalemba, said people from most affected villages have agreed not to return to low-lying areas.

One of the beneficiaries, Chrissie Samson, said the donation came at the right time when they needed help.

The items included 1 000 buckets, 1 000 wrappers and 1 000 tablets of U-Fresh soap.