Children have been left distressed and in shock after ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Thursday 24 June 2010
We have received reports from our staff in Osh, where some of the fiercest fighting occurred, that 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 gouged out. Others have been knifed or axed to death. There are also reports of girls and women being raped.
One 13 year-old boy, who did not wish to be named, told us: “I heard shots in the neighbour’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.”
Hassan Noor Saadi, our 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 has been working in Kyrgyzstan for 16 years. We have been delivering crucial aid to affected families. We will continue to support them for the weeks and months to come until they and their children start to recover and rebuild their lives.”