Facts about refugees, displaced children and activities for students. Based on Red Cross Children in Conflict Resource.

1. Children being displaced and as refugees

3. Children being displaced and as refugees During armed conflict, large numbers of people can become displaced. They often have to leave their homes without warning and sometimes never return. Families are split up and children become separated from their parents. Internally displaced people are those who are left without a home within the borders of their own countries. It is thought that there are 52 countries in the world with internally displaced people (or ‘IDPs’). A refugee is a person who has left their country because they have a fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality or political opinion. Internally displaced people are those who are left without a home within the borders of their own countries, while those who cross international borders become refugees. There are an estimated 27 million refugees worldwide. Since the end of the Second World War, 50 million refugees have been returned to their countries or have been given homes elsewhere.

7. Refugee Camps Setting up a refugee camp is a major endeavour. It requires a great deal of planning and thought. Often there is only a short time to get everything in place. A camp will require: Water An adult requires about 20 litres a day - 3 litres of this needs to be drinking water. Food An adult needs about 2250 calories a day. Food needs to be collected and distributed. Medical facilities A permanent presence of doctors and other medical specialists, together with equipment, is required. Each doctor can expect to see at least 100 patients per day in a camp containing 10,000 refugees. Shelter There has to be some form of shelter, such as tents or temporary homes. Refuse and sanitation Refuse will have to be collected and then disposed of every day. There will also be a need to be an efficient latrine system. Energy Fuel will be required for cooking purposes. This needs to be collected, distributed and used in the correct way. Security The camp has to be lit at night for security reasons and there needs to be some form of protection for people’s belongings.

10. Children being displaced and as refugees Refugee camp Imagine that you are made responsible for the running of a new refugee camp. It will hold 10,000 people. 7,000 of these will be women and children. Your areas of responsibility are: education, shelter and food. Explain what you intend to do about these issues. Write a letter to the Head of Government in the country requesting assistance. Be clear regarding what is required and why. Who else might you be able to approach for help?

12. Children being displaced and as refugees

13. Vocabulary armed conflict water food shelter medical needs displaced refugee