Karachi

In response to the rising malnutrition crisis in Sindh, a two-year support action, funded by the European Union, aimed at strengthening community based organizations in 5 districts of Sindh to combat malnutrition was launched at a ceremony in Karachi.

The initiative aims at addressing malnutrition in five adversely affected districts of Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Noshero Feroze in Sindh province. The 6 million EUR project, co-funded by the European Union, will be implemented jointly by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) and the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO).

Speaking at the event Mr. Carlo De Rosa, Development Advisor for Rural Development and Nutrition at the EU delegation to Pakistan, said that “from global experiences it is well established that ensuring nutrition security requires a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach that involves diverse stakeholders, with local CSOs playing an integral role”. He further stated that the project will improve the quality and coverage of interventions, foster synergies for ‘nutrition-specific’ approaches and will ultimately provide an enabling environment to shape political, institutional and policy processes for addressing malnutrition.

Shabnam Baloch, Country Director, IRC Pakistan, in her remarks acknowledged European Union for their financial assistance to carry forward nutrition agenda and noted that “Cultivating a future free from malnutrition requires us to harness the strength and wisdom of local civil society organizations. They are the compass guiding us towards healthier, more vibrant communities.”

She further stated that Nutrition matters for us and we at IRC are committed to strengthening our programs to deliver nutrition focused interventions for addressing the escalating impacts of Climate Change aggravating the malnutrition situation in Pakistan.

Through this project IRC, MERF and SPO will strengthen the capacity of 15 local CSOs and provide nutritional support to over 245,000 women and 415,000 children. Moreover, will also work closely with the Sindh health department to improve the nutrition-related skills of 389 staff at public health facilities across the Province and increase their capacity in supply chain management and surveillance. Another key endeavor of the project is to foster CSO led policy dialogues aimed at informing policy makers with evidence-based findings to shape policies that ultimately help improve health and nutrition services for the most deserving communities.

The joint effort of the European Union, International Rescue Committee and its partner Civil Society Organizations, will support the Government of Sindh in its efforts in reducing stunting and wasting among children and women. This support is considered even more crucial in the wake of the 2022 floods which further negatively impacted overall population nutrition, not only in Sindh, but across the country as a whole.

In Pakistan, the European Union’s support to nutrition commenced with humanitarian assistance after the 2010 floods. Since 2013 this assistance has taken a long‐term and sustainable perspective by assisting public departments to deliver nutrition services, within a clear and efficient policy framework. The EU assistance has greatly contributed to the improvement of nutrition through the 30 million EUR project: Women and children/infants Improved Nutrition in Sindh (WINS), implemented in three districts of Sindh: Thatta, Shikarpur and Dadu, and the  60 million Euro Program for Improved Nutrition in Sindh (PINS) through which the EU geographically extended its support covering 10 Districts integrating the work done by the Government of Sindh in the frame of the Accelerated Action Plan for Reduction of Stunting and Malnutrition. (PR)

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Islamabad

As the rehabilitation process after floods 2022 is still underway, The International Rescue Committee (IRC) stresses the need to invest in multi-sector inclusive rehabilitation programs that take into account the long-term needs of the flood-affected communities. The IRC foresees that critical gaps in recovery across nutrition and food security, health, shelter, education, and WASH if left unchecked are likely to result in long-term serious consequences for the flood-affected population in particular and Pakistan as a whole.

Since the onset of the floods in July 2022, the IRC has remained active in the flood-affected districts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh provinces. Through efforts geared towards the provision of food baskets, non-food items, safe drinking water, dignity, hygiene, and winterization kits; the establishment of medical camps, and safe spaces; and the conduction of awareness sessions on life skills and psychosocial support the IRC has reached out to approximately 1,224,938 people.

In a press statement the Country Director of IRC, Shabnam Baloch said, “Pakistan is not new to the onslaught of floods but the magnitude of the climate carnage that we witnessed in 2022 is unprecedented. More than seven months after the floods, millions of women, men, and children continue to struggle against hunger and homelessness. Health, education, and social protection services remain disrupted in the majority of the affected areas further placing the lives, livelihoods, and prospects of millions in jeopardy.”

Several months after the climate change-triggered floods devastated three-fourths of Pakistan, an estimated 4.5 million people continue to remain exposed to extreme conditions. As of February 2023, floodwaters were yet to recede from several districts in the south of the country. Some parts of Pakistan have seen people returning to their native lands, however, the conditions that they are returning to are far from welcoming.

While several donor organizations have come forward to support Pakistan in this time of crisis, the overall response by the international community has been lukewarm. As of February 2023, Pakistan had received only 36% of the $871 million from international aid to meet the overall flood response challenge. “Every sector in Pakistan’s flood response plan is currently underfunded,” added Ms. Shabnam. While this poses a challenge on its own, we also need to understand that mere financial resources will not drive Pakistan out of the climate-induced crisis that has arrived on its doorstep. “There is an urgency like never before to invest in interventions that are climate resilient and take heed of the magnitude of the threat that climate change poses to a developing country like Pakistan.”

The Gates Foundation, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA), Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), Irish Aid, Malala Fund, UNICEF, IOM, Global Affairs Canada, and German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) are among the key donors whose support proved instrumental for IRC to commence and sustain efforts in the flood-affected districts. (PR)

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All photos provided by IRS 

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From Our Correspondent

Khairpur

The International Women Day was celebrated on Wednesday jointly by the Institute of Gender Studies, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur and International Rescue Committee (IRC) in collaboration with Young Peace Development Corp (YPDC).

The theme of the day was “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality and Climate Change.” Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences presided over the event while Mir Rohal Khan Khoso, Senior Superintendent of Police (S.S.P), Khairpur was the chief guest.

Talking to the participants, Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari said women empowerment is the need of the hour. Women are confronting several issues i.e. lack of education, absence in political process, economic rights and even right of inherent property.

Mir Rohal Khan Khoso said that as per law of land, men and women have equal rights and opportunities, and even our religion Islam also has protected women rights.

He said in our society, women are deprived from their fundamental and legitimate rights. Forced marriages are alarming situation, he said urging that we must eradicate the domestic violence from the society. He said if woman is educated, entire family is educated.

“We have taken drastic measures to lodge the FIRs against honor killing cases. Five incidents of honor killing occurred in Khairpur District in the year 2022, and the state has pursued the cases. The role of Khairpur Police is not a limited as force but as protector of liberties of the people,” he claimed.

Adeel Shaikh, District Officer IRC said the IRC, in partnership with UNICEF, is implementing a project (CARE Project – Children & Adolescents Rehabilitation in Emergencies) to provide support and protection to the flood-affected communities in Baluchistan and Sindh provinces.

Prof. Dr. Agha Nadia, Director Institute of Gender Studies spoke on the theme. She narrated the plight and implication of climate change on women.

She said as result of flood havoc, the women suffered a lot. She said in the advent of unprecedented flood, the food insecurity emerged. “We imported wheat from China and Russia”.

She said in the wake of COVID-19, drop out ratio of students increased. She said in the rural population, there is gender gap of education is 21%. She stressed the need for the vocational trainings for women in order to earn the money for their wellbeing.

Shahida Amir Chandio, In-charge Department of Political Science said that our country is agrarian based. Women in the rural setup are involved in number of agricultural activities. Moreover, they are working in cottage industry as well as involved in handicrafts, so the contribution of women is commendable in the rural setup.

She said as per constitution of Pakistan’s 27 article, women are protected but the plight of the women is deplorable. She suggested that women may be given an opportunity to contest on general seats instead of reserved seats in the parliament.

Ms. Paras Niaz Khaskheli, Assistant Professor, Institute of English Language & Literature said that in the wake of prevailing inflation, women may be given chance to participate in online earning-activities i.e. content writing, Vlog and Blogging. She also screened the documentary on innovation and technology for gender equality.

Rukhsana Mangi, In-charge Women Protection Cell, Sukkur said that feminism is a vast subject. Since establishment of Women Protection Cell-2018, 5000 cases have been resolved by this Cell. It is the need of collaborative work.

Mehnaz Bozdar, In-charge Women Protection Cell, Khairpur said every day is the day of women. We must respect the women. She said 3000 cases have been disposed pertaining to women violence etc.

Abdul Ghaffar Thaheem, Deputy Director Women Development Department, Sukkur Region said climate change has adversely affected the vulnerable segments.

Turab Ali, Gender Based Violence Officer of IRC said we are striving to resolve the case management services conducted the trainings with line departments for the capacity building of women, we have taken positive steps to control the early marriages.

Ali Raza Lashari shed light on adverse impact of crisis on women and girls in emergency situation. He said contingent plan may be devised to cope any eventuality in disaster so the disaster risk reduction may be implemented.

The Speech, Painting and Music Contests were also held. Shields were also distributed among the winners. A large number of teachers and students attended the event.

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Islamabad

To facilitate Afghan refugees in access to health and essential services Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) and International Rescue Committee (IRC) signed an “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) on Tuesday that outlined operations and activities where CAR and IRC intend to collaborate.

The vision of CAR aligns with the strategic approach of International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Pakistan. As IRC in Pakistan has been working proactively with Afghan refugees since 1980’s with a wide range of programming under emergency relief, health, education, cash assistance and essential services. The strategic partnership between IRC and CAR is testament of resolve to work collaboratively for Afghan refugees.

Amongst multiple challenges faced by Afghan refugees one the foremost is limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, and high rates of infectious diseases. Maternal and child health is also a concern for Afghan refugees in Pakistan as many refugee women lack access to reproductive healthcare services, leading to higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. Mental health is another area of concern for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Overall, the health challenges facing Afghan refugees in Pakistan are complex and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires accurate information. It is envisioned that IRC and CAR will collaborate in the development of an annual health status report which will identify areas for assistance in health sector to cater for preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare to Afghan Refugees.

Muhammad Abbas Khan (Commissioner Afghan Refugee) speaking at the MOU signing ceremony appreciated IRC longstanding commitment towards the cause of Afghan refugees and reaffirmed the support of Commissionerate in working collaboratively for provision of quality services with dignity and diligence. He further noted that Pakistan is very proudly hosting millions of Afghan Refugees and this hospitality is only possible due to the generosity of host communities. The financial and technical support of international community is paramount along with fostering partnerships for this noble cause.

Shabnam Baloch (Country Director IRC-Pakistan) opined that this collaboration between International Rescue Committee & Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees will pave way for pragmatic programming that is based on evidence-based research and triple nexus approach. She further reiterated IRC’s commitment to work alongside government counterparts for fostering a conducive environment for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

A representative of UNCHR Mr. Raymond Tagle was also present at the MOU signing ceremony and congratulated both agencies on the envisioned partnership.

Pakistan has a long history of hosting Afghan refugees, dating back to 1979. Since then, millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan. Even today, Pakistan hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. To streamline the process of coordination the “Commissionerate Afghan Refugees” (CAR) was established in 1979 with the mandate for refugee camp management and to facilitate access to health and education services, skills training for livelihood opportunities, and helping refugees in voluntary repatriation. (PR)

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