1. General Overview

Government led security operation against militants in KP and FATA has resulted in significant population movement over the past four years. Displacement from Khyber Agency is the most recent and urgent crisis to develop consequently. Save the Children has launched its response in KP and addressing needs of vulnerable IDPs from Khyber Agency

As the operation in troubled areas continues, the humanitarian needs of the increasing IDP population are multiplying.

According to UN OCHA, about 90 per cent of more than 52,000 families displaced from Khyber Agency since January 2012 are staying with host communities in Peshawar, Nowshera and Kohat districts. Many of the displaced children in Peshawar are not going to school. Access to basic services and facilities is challenging for the many vulnerable families who have been displaced. Local authorities have requested support from the humanitarian community to assist in meeting the unmet needs. The scope of this support includes: reception and protection of new IDPs; support for large numbers of IDPs in camps and among host communities; managing returns and enabling re-settling populations inside FATA to re-establish their livelihoods and meet basic needs. Save the Children is taking the lead in addressing the needs of Khyber IDPs in Peshawar and Nowshera districts.

Key Advocacy Messages:

• The revised Humanitarian Operational Plan (HOP) is currently 45% underfunded. Continued funding shortfalls will result in severe constraints on the ability of humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving aid to the affected population.

• Over 90% of new IDPs are staying off-camp, living in rented spaces or with host families. As most IDPs are women and children who belong to a conservative culture; they are unwilling or unable to live in camps and many are unable to access relief services. IDPs living with host communities say that they don’t expect to go home within the next twelve months. It is imperative to assist the off-camp IDPs, as very limited relief services are currently reaching them.

• Due to the gradual onset of this crisis, it has attracted little international attention, making it difficult for implementers to obtain the funding needed to address it.

• Save the Children’s observation study found that 82% of women reported a decrease in frequency of breastfeeding after displacement. Further efforts are required to ensure access to health services and nutrition support especially for IDP women and children.

• The Government of Pakistan must ensure aid workers have continued access to conflict affected areas, and that the security of aid workers is prioritized. The international community must advocate for reduced restrictions and the government’s increased support of aid agencies.