Afghanistan: effects of the COVID-19 on Internally Displaced children

Afghan girls in a settlement of internally displaced persons Afghan girls in a settlement of internally displaced persons UNICEF Afghanistan/Omid

 

28 May 2020

In Afghanistan,COVID-19 is a threat for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), above all children, who have limited access to health care or clean water

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 emergency, there have been more than 11,800 confirmed cases.This disease is threatening especially the community of IDP, who are often arranged in small crowded settlements. The elevated number of people in these communities increases the risk of spread of the COVID-19, especially because of the lack of health supplies and assistance. However, the virus does not only affect the health of the people.

As a result of the restrictions, one of the main victims of this pandemic include children and young women. Indeed, the closure of schools has prevented young people from receiving a proper education and it has put them in an even more vulnerable situation. With the beginning of the shutdown, young women especially have been victims of increased sexual abuses in their homes and the number of early marriages has escalated. These events have led to a wider gender gap and age-related barrier that affect young Afghans.

Due to the fact that many of these families have no access to internet or any other source of information, UNICEF is trying to raise awareness on how to prevent the infection. Another aid given by the international organisation has included training in hygiene practices and the distribution of bar soap to the families in need which has helped to ease the difficult conditions of these families.

 

To know more, please read:

https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/deafening-silence-and-uncertainty-afghanistan

 

Author: Carla Pintor; Editor: Sara Gorelli

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