Pregnant women, people with disabilities among those with greatest need after terror attacks

Following the terror attacks in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, Humanity & Inclusion expresses deep concern over the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations: Pregnant women, older people, people with disabilities and children are among those displaced by recent fighting.

Around 3,000 people have been displaced following last week’s brutal attacks by insurgents on the city of Palma and surrounding areas. Since 2017, a total of 670,000 people are displaced due to the violence. The exact number of casualties after the recent violence is unclear as many people are still unaccounted for. 

"Many people are terrified of being attacked and are in hiding, which means they no access to food or water," explains Marco Tamburro, HI Program Director in Mozambique. "It is vital that the response to this crisis takes into consideration the access to support for the most vulnerable groups, ensuring no one is left behind. Efforts to provide humanitarian aid must ensure the most vulnerable people, such as people with disabilities and older people receive the support they so desperately need." 

According to an assessment Humanity & Inclusion conducted in two Cabo Delgado districts heavily impacted by the movement of people fleeing violence, before the recent attack in Palma:

• 16% of the households of displaced people declared having a member with a disability and/or chronic needs
• 22% of people with disabilities declared their disability was due to the conflict

Children make up 45% of the displaced people, and many are unaccompanied. Among the most vulnerable groups are also pregnant women, older people and people with disabilities.

"We are calling for the support of international donors," Tamburro added. "HI identified the top three humanitarian priorities as food, shelter and access to drinking water – these are resources which need to be urgently funded, especially during the global pandemic. We must ensure every single person is considered in the humanitarian response. We must also consider the long term impacts of this violence. Psychosocial support is essential to help people rebuild their lives and we will work to implement an accessible referral mechanism so that people can reach out and receive the support they require."