UNICEF Intensifies Efforts after Second Earthquake in Mexico

NEW YORK (September 20, 2017) – UNICEF Mexico has stepped up its efforts to support children following the second earthquake that hit the country in less than two weeks.

"UNICEF has been supporting children in Mexico for many years but, at the moment, the country and organizations like ours face a great challenge," says Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Mexico.

"Our priority in these circumstances is to ensure that children and young people are protected and supported, physically and emotionally. As we strive to identify their needs through our evaluation missions, in close collaboration with Mexican authorities and our civil society allies, we express our solidarity and support to the people of Mexico. "

UNICEF staff specialists have been mobilized to assess the situation of children in the most affected areas of Mexico City, Puebla and Morelos, as of today, and in the coming days, while the organization continues to provide support to girls and children in Oaxaca and Chiapas affected by the earthquake of September 7.

Through these visits, the teams will determine the type of support that is needed, in terms of water and sanitation, health, education and child protection.

In addition to earthquake response efforts, UNICEF’s ongoing participation in national programs to help vulnerable and marginalized children in Mexico continues amidst these new challenging circumstances.

Unlike the previous instance, the earthquake of September 19 has affected highly urbanized areas during school and work hours, with terrible consequences. Together with partners, the organization is also monitoring and awaiting news of rescues, including of children and young people still trapped underneath the rubble.

"As humanitarian workers, as parents and as human beings, we share the pain of those who have lost their children, as well as the hope of those still awaiting news," said Christian Skoog. "Our hearts are with you and with all of Mexico."

Skoog, who has just returned from Oaxaca, where UNICEF has been implementing programs on "Child Friendly Spaces" in response to the September 7 earthquake, states that in these situations, children and adolescents have special needs that must to be taken into account when responding to the tragedy, and call on authorities to ensure that these needs remain a priority in ongoing relief efforts.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org