UN CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON IDPs IN PAKISTAN

Islamabad, 17 April 2010:

The UN strongly condemns this twin suicide bombing against Pakistan's internally displaced. This attack hits Pakistan's most vulnerable - people who have already suffered because of the ongoing fighting, people who had come to this registration point for humanitarian assistance. Instead they were the victims of a targeted blast.

Martin Mogwanja, the Humanitarian Coordinator, voiced his condemnation.

"These were people who had fled their homes. They had suffered displacement, they'd suffered losing their homes. They'd come to the registration point considering it a safe haven. They'd come for help. They'd come for sanctuary. We mourn their loss, and condemn their killing."

The attack took place on Saturday 17th April, at the Sherkot Registration point in Kohat. Two suicide bombers dressed in burqa's attacked as people lined up to register. It left, scores of IDPs killed and injured.

More than 250, 000 people are registered as IDPs in Kohat and Hangu. They have fled the fighting in Orakzai and Kurram. Since December 2009 the United Nations has been providing, without discrimination, vital assistance to these IDPs including food and shelter. These critical services are now temporarily suspended as the security situation is assessed.

For further information, please call: OCHA Pakistan:

Dumeetha Luthra , mobile +92 300 850 2397, luthra@un.org ; OCHA New York: Stephanie Bunker , + 1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 347 244 2106, bunker@un.org; Nicholas Reader, +1 212 963 4961, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org

OCHA-Geneva: Elizabeth Byrs, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570, byrs @un.org

OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int