Right from the very start of the conflict, SOS Children's Villages Pakistan has been in contact with government authorities and NGOs in the area, and has offered to accommodate any identified orphans. The government of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFD) and its Emergency Response Unit have now asked SOS Children's Villages Pakistan to assist in organizing a shelter for women and children using government funds.
After detailed discussions with the Emergency Response Unit and the government of NWFP it has been decided that, with their collaboration, an SOS Emergency Shelter for IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) will be established in Peshawar. A building has been identified and is being renovated.
At the outset, the shelter will admit up to 100 children and widows. If required, accommodation for more can be provided at a later stage. Services will include shelter, food, clothing, medical attention and psychological counseling. Schooling for the children will be arranged as feasible.
The shelter is expected to be ready within the next few days, even though a time frame has yet to be decided on, since it is impossible at present to foresee how long the conflict will continue and when people can return home. Long term planning will be necessary for orphans.