Victoms of the war on terror needs fire wood in the camps

The on going conflict in FATA has compelled thousands of families to flee from their places of origin. The Government of Pakistan with help of UNHCR has established camps across the province for the provision of shelter and other survival assistance to the IDP. The two camps i.e. Kacha Garhi and Jalozi are catering to the majority of the displaced people fro Bajour, Mohamand and Swat.

The life in camps is never an easy option and there are many problems faced by the IDPs. Among them problem of the fire wood provision is the most felt need. The non availability of the fire wood is exposing IDPs in both the camps to protection risks. The situation become more dangerous as firewood collection is the responsibility of women and children. This activity put these women and children in the danger of sexual assault, harassment, physical beating, and abduction as well road accidents. More over the practice is creating resentment in the surrounding villages near the camps as they are not willing to allow these people to cut their trees for fire fuel purposes.

The displacement generally multiplied the vulnerability of the population. The displaced people are coming from highly impoverished areas so their purchasing power is touching the lower line.In the prevailing circumstances it is almost impossible for these IDPs to support themselves vis-à-vis fire wood.

State of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />IDPs

These IDPs are living below than the line of poverty. These people have been impoverished by the   long conflict related to the war on terror. The current displacement worsens their socio- economic and over all life condition.

The IDPs said that they were victims of the religious zealots and the Pakistan army for the last five years. 

 Gravity of the problem

 

a) Risk of attack

These people are not only at extreme of poverty but also conservative and male dominates the whole society. That is why the women and children are greatly under pressure to go out for collection of firewood

Firewood is the most important protection concern in the IDPs camps. It is a basic need of the displaced people. Every morning male, female, and boys and young girls started search for firewood in the vicinity of the camps. They go out to all the four sides surrounding the camp to pick a piece of flammable material.

b) Cultural aspect  

Representative committee of   the camp consists of the male members, often stressed on the movement of women and young girls. They are of the view that   the women and girls are vulnerable to harassment and kidnapping. “It is against our pride and customs that women go out of home” but the great necessity   obliged these women and girls to go out.
Said an IDP in Kacha Ghari camp.Recently a threat letter was found in the communal kitchen in Kacha Ghari camp created panic among the IDPs.  

 According to that letter (Talib Ordinance) “those women who were found in movements inside or outside without Muhrim (Father, Brother, husband) will be punished by the Taliban obscure forces. This situation is putting women in jeopardy either to fulfill this dire need or face the consequences.

This situation restricts women and children from movement and according to people    this is not the solution.

conclusion The IDPs are in dire need of firewood firewood, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and other means of fuel. This is an important matter and root cause of other different problems.

Recommendations

§         Provision of Fire wood to is too much necessary

§       Promotion of solidarity among the people is mandatory so that they can use the communal kitchens and save the fuel.

§         Through economic activity initiative the IDPs fate can be change and they will overcome this problem.