David Shearer to launch Unicef photo exhibition

David Shearer, MP and former head of emergencies for the United Nations in Iraq, will open UNICEF’s photo exhibition at the Wellington City Library.

A Far Cry, Children in Emergencies is an exhibition of UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) photographs that show the impact of emergencies on children in the developing world.

Each year, UNICEF responds to more than 200 emergencies around the world. It is children who all too often experience the worst consequences of these man-made and natural disasters. Children must face challenges such as mass displacement, separation from family, increased vulnerability to disease, ill health, and exploitation, and disruption of their schooling.

This collection of more than 60 images gives a unique insight into the affect on children of recent and continuing emergencies including Haiti, Samoa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, Sudan, Pakistan, the Congo and Iraq.

The photographs show the enormous resilience of children, even in the midst of chaos and destruction. With the help of international emergency agencies like UNICEF, children can receive the life-saving support they desperately need to get through a disaster. Children are more likely to die in a catastrophe that adults are. For example in the Pakistan floods, 3.4 million children are in danger of contracting potentially fatal water-borne diseases.

If you would like to hear Mr Shearer’s speech, please RSVP to Vicki@unicef.org.nz or telephone us on (04) 815 9370 by noon Tuesday Sept 7.

Launch venue: Wellington City Library Senior room 5.30 p.m. Tuesday Sept 7,

Exhibition:
Wellington Public Library
Level One
65 Victoria St
Sept 6 to 20
Cost: Free