Thursday, May 24, 2012

UNHCR provides shelter to homeless fishing community

DERA GHAZI KHAN: The UNHCR joined local authorities in handing over ownership rights of 400 newly constructed one-room shelters to a fishing community, which was left homeless by the devastating floods in the country in 2010. The government of Punjab provided 38 acres for the construction of a model village for the affected families, who prior to the floods, were living on the banks of the River Indus in makeshift huts and boats in Dera Ghazi Khan. The families who were benefited in Wednesday’s ceremony are from the Jam, an itinerant fishing community. The ceremony marked the first time in their lives that they could claim ownership of a home or a piece of land. Their ownership of land and property is complemented by the gradual restoration of many basic rights that this marginalised group has been denied for decades. There are also plans for them to receive national identity cards and they will have their own community centre, a mosque, water supply, as well as access to healthcare and education. staff report

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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