Amnesty International: Pakistan faces displacement crisis as thousands more

[life_long_dem]

flee fighting.

28 April 2009

At least 33,000 civilians have abandoned their homes to avoid clashes between Pakistani security forces and the Taleban in northwest Pakistan, according to information gathered by Amnesty International in Pakistan.

The civilians fleeing from Lower Dir in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP), which includes the Swat valley, join more than half a million people already displaced by the fighting, according to the most recent figures from the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR.

"Pakistan is now facing a serious displacement crisis, as hundreds of thousands have been forced out of their homes, including tens of thousands now living in camps formerly used to house Afghan refugees," said Sam Zarifi Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific director.

"While the politicians in Islamabad and Washington talk about geopolitics, people in these quiet villages have their lives shattered. It's about time for the world to turn its attention to the people of NWFP, who are facing severe problems right now."

more here:http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/pakistan-faces-displacement-crisis-thousands-more-flee-fighting-20090428