A month following the Presidential election in Kenya and the violent outbreaks that have accompanied it we are starting to hear more and more about the children in Kenya. Through my research I am finding that some children ages 3-17 are lucky enough to go to homes such as the SOS Children’s Village in Nairobi. Unfortunately, other displaced children are in refugee camps where the outcome isn’t as optimistic.
The merriment of fleeing the violence is only temporary for some who face the possibility of sexual abuse in displacement camps. Rhoda Kasimbu, an aid worker from World Vision, says that these camps do not meet humanitarian standards. This increases the likelihood of abuse for women and children who have to sleep in the same quarters with men.
It is estimated that more than 60,000 children are among the 250,000 people displaced from their homes. World Vision workers report that children are arriving at food distribution centers hungry and severely traumatized by the violence that they have witnessed and experienced in their villages. Kasimbu reported that in one day in Narobi, the Women’s Hospital admitted eight girls who had been raped the youngest being twelve years old.
The World Vision organization is working to provide children friendly spaces in camps where they can feel free to play and participate in structured activities. The Christian agency is also providing some basic necessities to families.
I feel that this situation is despicable and unfortunate. I can’t even begin to imagine the horror that runs through these children's minds on a day to day basis. To escape the violence in the streets only to be met by more in a refugee camp is an indignity to these people. I wonder how long it has been since Kenyan children have felt safe. If your parents or the law enforcement in your nation can’t keep you safe from the injustices of this world when will you ever feel safe?
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/477686/120121609213.htm
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