The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has started a new phase of distribution of humanitarian assistance in South Ossetia. This assistance, including shoes and clothes, targets the most vulnerable people.
From 1 November until 25 December 2008, the ICRC already carried out a large-scaled distribution of food and non-food items covering an overall number of 14,000 beneficiaries in four regions of South Ossetia. "After a thorough needs assessment, the ICRC identified a group of beneficiaries for the new round. The distribution started with Tskhinvali and Djava orphanages where over 250 children live. "We expect to be able to reach most of our beneficiaries, namely orphans, displaced and homeless persons in eight collective centres in Tskhinvali, elderly and disabled people by late February", says Andrй Mermillod, ICRC Ecosec Delegate.
Since 20 August, the ICRC has steadily increased the scale and outreach of its operations in South Ossetia. The organization now carries out a wide range of programs aimed at providing assistance and protection to those affected by the armed conflict.
