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UNICEF work suffers as 'uncertainty' reigns
UNICEF
April 26, 2008

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), has sounded alarm bells on the unfolding humanitarian crisis caused by the delay in announcing the results of the Presidential election.

James Elder, the agency's chief communications officer, said last week UNICEF's regular programmes were currently being negatively affected by the political impasse.

He said: "UNICEF recently contacted 27 NGOs who help implement programmes for children, and found almost half had virtually suspended such activities. Most chose to do so out of 'current uncertainties'."

In its response, UNICEF says it is increasing visits by its programme staff to projects and encouraging partners to quickly reactivate all programmes for children.

"We cannot let children suffer because of the political crisis.

They need us more than ever. We expect to reach more than 150 000 orphans in April and May with packages of health, nutrition and education support," said Elder.

"In addition, this month we will continue to provide populations suffering severe water shortages with emergency water treatment chemicals, new boreholes and water purification tablets, in areas from Bulawayo to Harare."

Gender programme co-ordinator for ActionAid Zimbabwe, Virginia Muwaningwa, said the impasse will further burden women as they struggle to put food on the table for their families.

Muwaningwa said the displacement of families was worrying because it would affect HIV treatment programmes of patients on Antiretrovirals.

"We have a serious humanitarian crisis on our hands.

If someone flees to Harare from Muzarabani and they had been collecting their ARVs at a hospital or clinic near them, where will they get the drugs when they come here? This crisis is going to scuttle a lot of HIV and Aids programmes."

The Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) says it is disturbed by the unfolding post-election violence caused by the delay in announcing the election results.

This is the first time that the WCOZ has spoken out openly about the political impasse, alleged by the MDC to have led to the death of at least 13 of their supporters.

Speaking at the end of two-day post-election meeting on Wednesday last week, national co-ordinator of the WCOZ, Netsai Mushonga, said the deteriorating human rights situation was a cause for concern.

Mushonga said the coalition was particularly concerned by the heavy presence of armed forces within communities, and statements being made by politicians.

These were "fanning violence" and delays in concluding electoral matters brought before the courts, she said.

"We reiterate the long-standing position of civil society organizations that the failure by duty-bearers to respect the rights of all citizens is the greatest threat to peace, democracy and development in Zimbabwe," she said.

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