April 8, 2006	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 9, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, April 7: There is a need for an integrated approach to effectively monitor the rehabilitation work in earthquake affected areas. Oxfam Country Head Farhana Faruqi-Stocker speaking at a press conference here Friday, said aid efforts saved lives but quake survivors needed continuing support, better monitoring of returnees and resolution of land issues.

Six months after last year’s earthquake, many of the two million people rendered homeless still face a critical time, she added.

However, Ms Stocker said, outbreaks of serious diseases had been prevented, remote communities accessed and a second disaster averted.

“Thanks both to a relatively mild winter and the combined efforts of the Pakistani authorities, aid agencies and donors, the two million homeless people survived a Himalayan winter without the second humanitarian catastrophe that was widely feared.”

This is a great news and could not have been achieved without the generous support of the public, she said, adding that more support was needed as thousands of displaced people were being moved from official camps to their hometowns.

Aid agencies are concerned that camp residents in some areas have been moved without clear monitoring to track the movement of vulnerable people; sufficient communication about official plans and entitlements, and without the provision of alternative land.

“Oxfam International supports the idea that displaced people should be helped to return home,” Ms Stocker said. This process must be safe, voluntary, dignified and informed, with the authorities ensuring adequate support facilities, she added.

Many people tell Oxfam that they want to return but cannot go back because their villages have been buried under landslides, she said, adding that a well-assisted and well-managed recovery phase is needed to prevent such people ending up in new spontaneous camps.

Additionally, the results of seismic surveys should be published so that displaced people know where they can safely begin reconstruction, the Oxfam official said.

Amir Khan, a British national of Pakistani origin who exploded to the boxing world in last Olympics when he won sliver medal, met numerous earthquake survivors and looked at Oxfam’s work during a visit to the earthquake struck AJK on Thursday. He urged all parties to support those affected by the quake as much as possible.

“These people have lived through a massive earthquake and survived a winter of snow and rain camped in tents next to the Himalayas. We all need to work together to give them as much help, care and time as they need to rebuild their homes and their lives.”