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The Republic of Korea donates $60,000 US dollars to address the needs of children and youth affected by the wildfires

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UNICEF will match this donation with $43,000. 926 families in the municipality of San Matías will benefit.

LA PAZ, January 17, 2025 - The Republic of Korea, in response to the devastating destruction of flora and fauna caused by the forest fires, as well as the request for support and cooperation in humanitarian aid and the fight against these disasters from the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between Korea and Bolivia, contributed financial support to face the national emergency.

Thus, the Republic of Korea donated 60 thousand dollars, channeled through UNICEF, to respond to the most pressing needs of children and adolescents affected by forest fires in the municipality of San Matías, Department of Santa Cruz. This contribution will be added to 43,400 dollars raised by UNICEF from private donors. The donation was made official through the signing of a work plan agreed between the Ministry of Defense and UNICEF through which approximately 926 families will benefit.

Regarding the donation, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Jang Lee, said: “Although Bolivia has not been the only country affected by this tragedy in the region, it is undeniable that its population has suffered the consequences of this sad environmental situation and that the challenges of post-recovery are considerable. It is in this context that I feel deeply honored, on behalf of my government, to make this important donation, which will be managed through UNICEF, which will work hand in hand with the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to ensure that this aid is focused on the needs identified by the Bolivian State.”

“Children and adolescents were the most affected by the impact of this year's forest fires. Although classes were not interrupted, learning until the end of the school year became more difficult due to environmental conditions. Now that the hot spots have disappeared, it is essential to guarantee access to safe water sources to prevent diseases. In addition, we cannot neglect the urgent need to take care of their mental health, given the devastation they have witnessed. The Korean government's contribution will strengthen our response to this emergency," said Katya Marino, UNICEF Bolivia representative.

In response to the fire emergency, UNICEF has estimated a total budget need of $1.5 million. Since the national disaster was declared, UNICEF has mobilized resources, which will be matched by the generous contribution from the Government of the Republic of Korea. The two funds total $103,400, which will focus on activities related to water, sanitation and hygiene, education and mental health that have been coordinated with the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense (VIDECI in Spanish).

Water, sanitation, and hygiene activities will focus on ensuring that wildfire-affected families have access to safe water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene products. A community water supply system will be repaired and upgraded to provide 300 people with reliable access to safe water. Additionally, 250 water filters will be distributed, and an equivalent number of family hygiene kits will benefit 875 people.

In the area of education, 500 school bags will be provided to affected children to help them continue their studies. Furthermore, teaching materials will be distributed to teachers in ten educational units.

Through this tripartite effort between the Government of Bolivia, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and UNICEF, the Embassy of Korea in Bolivia to the Plurinational State of Bolivia reaffirms that the foreign policy of the Government of Korea is focused on cooperation and joint work with Bolivia to face the global challenges that affect us all.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.