From the Website of MILF
Article links: http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1806/over-100-000-idps-in-marawi-city-still-homeless-
Over 100,000 IDPs in Marawi City still homeless
COTABATO CITY – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday that there are 100,000 people who still do not have a home to return to due to the 2017 conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.“Despite the numerous aid efforts that have truly helped those in need over the two years, the people of Marawi have grown tired and frustrated. They want to stand on their own feet again and stop depending on assistance,” said Martin Thalmann, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in the Philippines.
ICRC disclosed that the displaced people of Marawi are still struggling for access to potable water, viable livelihood opportunities and most importantly, permanent shelters. Most of the affected residents according to ICRC live in their relatives or are in evacuation centers and transition sites.
Thalmann noted that the authorities were trying to address complex issues so that the rehabilitation of the most affected area (MAA) could begin. But the conflict has left more vulnerable groups, such as families of missing people and victims of violence, with “invisible” scars.
“The wounds that do not bleed are the wounds that become scars. And these are the most painful because they will always leave something to look at. Something that will always bring back memories of what happened. Nevertheless, it is still important because it is still a lesson,” recalled “Mel” (not his real name), a 34-year-old resident who was severely traumatized by the Marawi conflict.
Launched in October 2018, the ICRC’s mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programme has reached close to 700 people. Among them, 47 people who were severely traumatized in the Marawi conflict—including “Mel”—have reported feeling “relieved, comfortable, safe and understood” after undergoing individual MHPSS sessions.
Thalmann said that these homeless victims have need sustained support to recover mentally from the trauma caused by the conflict that has affected their overall well-being
“The ICRC’s next step for its intervention would work on strengthening the capacity of the public health system in the area of psychosocial support to victims of violence,” said Thalmann.
The organization continues to help the displaced people by restoring sources of income and improving access to water and sanitation in various sites. It has also been working with families whose loved ones went missing due to the conflict.
“We have been filling the gaps in the recovery response in coordination with the authorities and other aid organizations. But we can only do so much. The authorities still have the primary responsibility of providing sustainable solutions to help the people of Marawi,” Thalmann stressed.
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