News Release

Ethnic Violence in Kenya Puts Many Children at Risk

Westport, CT (January 5, 2008) - Save the Children is moving quickly to assist thousands of Kenyan children and their families who have been forced from their homes due to ethnic violence that erupted following the country's contested presidential elections on December 27.

"With more than 300 dead and at least 250,000 people forced from their homes, the situation in Kenya remains volatile for many children," said Save the Children US president and CEO Charles MacCormack. "In the last nine days, many homes and schools have been destroyed, and the lives of tens of thousands of children have been disrupted. These children remain at risk."

MacCormack said he welcomed efforts by the United Nations and the U.S. government to find a peaceful solution to the current conflict, but noted, "The continued treat of violence is severely hampering aid workers in assisting displaced families with food, water, shelter and medical supplies."

"Security is a major concern of humanitarian organizations right now. We need to make sure our workers can move safely within the region to assist families," MacCormack said.

How you can help

You can help Save the Children respond to emergencies that put at great risk the survival, protection, and well-being of significant numbers of children. By contributing to the Children's Emergency Fund, you enable us to respond immediately to children and families who urgently need our help when disasters strike.  

Donate to Save the Children US's Children's Emergency Fund
Donate to Save the Children UK's Children's Emergency Fund

Media Contact

For more information, please contact Mike Kiernan, Save the Children US Senior Director, Media and Communications 
office: +1 202-261-4686
mobile: +1202-460-0614
email: mkiernan@savechildren.org