Search site

 

News

OSH, Kyrgyzstan (June 24, 2010) The aid agency's staff in Osh, where some of the fiercest fighting occurred, said some children have not spoken for days, some are experiencing distressing nightmares and others burst into tears when they recall the traumatic events they have witnessed.

Families living in Osh have reported seeing people burned to death and their eyes gorged out and others who had been knifed or axed to death. They said they have also heard reports of girls and women being raped.

One 13 year-old boy, who did not wish to be named, told Save the Children: "I heard shots in the neighbor's house. I hid, with my family, in the basement. I thought I would have to stay there forever; that I would die there."

A girl, also 13, who is seeking refuge in a school with other Uzbek families, said: "I saw armed people and I heard fighting; I was afraid. I have friends who are Kyrgyz, I haven't seen them since. I don't know what will happen to our friendship."

The aid agency - which is one of the few on the ground in Kyrgyzstan ­- has delivered vital aid to thousands of Uzbek and Kyrgyz people affected by the violence. It estimates that 150,000 children have been affected.

Hassan Noor Saadi, Save the Children in Kyrgyzstan Team Leader, said: "Children have been through a horrendous ordeal and are still suffering. They have witnessed terrible things and have been left shocked, distressed and afraid. Some have been separated from their parents and are feeling very alone.

"Save the Children, which has been working in Kyrgyzstan for 16 years, has been delivering crucial aid such as health and hygiene kits to affected families and will continue to support them for the weeks and months to come, until they and their children start to recover and rebuild their lives.

To make a donation to Save the Children's emergency appeal go to http://www.savethechildren.org./

For more interviews, case studies, and photos contact Anna Ford in Osh on +996 555780196.