The
head of the International Federation’s Africa Department
has expressed concern over the living conditions of the displaced
people in Zimbabwe’s transit camps. After touring Caledonia
farm near the capital, Harare, Richard Hunlede called for urgent
action before the situation deteriorates further.
“The main objective of my visit is to listen to the Zimbabwe
Red Cross and the local authorities to get a better understanding
of the situation on the ground,” explains Richard. “We
are pleased that the government is allowing our national society
to operate and giving it the support it needs to continue to
help the most vulnerable”, he added.
The UN estimates that more than 200,000 people have been displaced
in the clean up exercise initiated by the government two months
ago. Among the worst affected people are the elderly, home-based
care clients, orphans and other vulnerable children, people
living with HIV and AIDS, and people living in poverty.
Before visiting the camp, Richard also paid a courtesy call
on Dr Chombo, Minister of local government, rural and urban
development. He was accompanied by Mrs Razia Essack-Kauaria,
Secretary General of the Namibia Red Cross, Françoise
Le Goff, Head of the regional delegation in Harare, the president
Edmore Shamu, National President of the Zimbabwe Red Cross and
staff from the Zimbabwe Red Cross.
“The clean up is aimed at getting rid of some criminal
elements and activities that were rife within these communities,”
Dr Chombo told the Red Cross officials. “Most of the affected
people are taken to designated camps, one of which is at Caledonia
farm in Harare.
“We can assure you that these camps will not last for
more than three months as we are putting plans in place to ensure
that at least they have somewhere they can call theirs at a
very low fee.”
He added that organisations willing to assist can do so only
in the designated transit camps established by the government.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross is taking the lead role in coordinating
the humanitarian response in Bulawayo, Mutare and some of the
camps across the country. As well as meeting with other organisations
and managers of the camps, staff also report to the social services
subcommittees set up by the government.
With technical support from the International Federation, it
has organised training on camp management in many parts of the
country. This is targeted at staff and volunteers from the Zimbabwe
Red Cross and from other organisations involved in the response
to the crisis.
Dr Chombo acknowledged the role of the Zimbabwe Red Cross and
assured that his government will do everything possible to ensure
that it can carry out humanitarian work to alleviate human suffering.
The International Federation recently provided CHF 100,000 from
its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to the Zimbabwe Red Cross.
The Danish Red Cross has also donated clothing worth 640 Zimbabwean
million dollars.
“I am touched by the conditions in which these people
are living,” says Richard. “It is sad to see children
naked and the elderly people there. Something should be done
urgently to improve the situation.” More support is needed
to reduce the human suffering. An emergency appeal for CHF 2
million has been issued to support response activities.
“This appeal is to support the immediate delivery of humanitarian
assistance such as specifically targeted relief items, health
and hygiene promotion, and immediate sanitation provision in
transit camps,” explained Richard. “We hope to be
able to support approximately 3,000 families (15,000 beneficiaries)
over the next five months.”
The week before Richard’s visit, senior Red Cross officials
in Harare had met with senior officials in the affected towns
and cities. The aim was to encourage an understanding of how
the Red Cross would operate in the wake of the ‘clean
up’.
In one recent meeting, Francoise Le Goff appealed to the Executive
Mayor of Marondera Town, Mayor Ralph Chimanikire, to facilitate
the work of the Red Cross. “When people are faced with
a crisis in their lives, they always believe the Red Cross can
help them,” she told him. “Some of the orphans and
clients of our home-based care programme may not have anywhere
to go or anyone to help them but the Red Cross.”
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Red
Cross officials: Razia, Essack-Kauaria of NamibiaRed Cross,
Mr E. Shamu, National President of ZimbabweRed Coss, Richard
Hunlede, head of Africa Department,
Francoise Le Goff head of regional delegation in Harare
and Mr.Kutadzaushe get a briefing from the policewoman
in chage of Caledonia farm transit camp. (13187)
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This
is what remains of what used to be a home for the elderly
woman for more than twenty years. There is nowhere to
go except to join the camps. (13188)
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Children
behind the metal wall: Even if they are smiling, their
future looks bleak after their parents' houses were destroyed.
(13189)
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Children
holding a ball at Caledonia farm transit
camp: There is no more space to play for many of these
children. Other have withdrawn fron school because of
the operation. (13186)
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