An Appeal by the International Committee—On behalf of victims of the conflict in Laos

Extract

According to the ICRC delegate on the spot working with the Lao Red Cross, a further 25,000 persons fled the fighting areas in the first fortnight of January, to make their way to the region of the Mekongvbasin. Most of them are now in the northern provinces of Houa-Khong, Luang-Prabang and Sayaboury. Many others have sought refuge to the South in the provinces of Savannakhet, Saravane, Attopeu and Sedone. Others again, less numerous, have reached Paksane and Thakek in the central provinces. It is estimated that 15 % of these refugees are men, 25 % women and 60 % children.