3. - usaid

Policy statements on concern for children of Nigeriabiaf'ra were issued in
October and November 1968 by Church World Service and Caritas International.
These emphasized the importance of respect for the wishes of the families;
return of evacuated children to their own families and environment ; programs
for nutrition, medical care, and rehabilitation treatment in Biafra; and
lastly the consideration of individual problems of homeless children that
could be effectively met by temporary institutional care in neighboring
countries when in the child's best interest medically, psychologically and
socially, and when his right to return is assured.
Generally, child welfare specialists recomend children not' be removed
fYom the environment in which they will have to live and grow up. There
had been little or no evacuation of children from Biaf'ra until the circwnstances
of relief and arms planes made transportation available. First
came reports from pilots and crews who told of people thrusting babies and
small children into the planes. This resulted in children arriving outside
Biaf'ra with neither their names nor village of origin known.
After this, the BiafYan regime allowed small nwbers of properly identified
children to be transported to nearby countries which had recognized Biafra,
such as Gabon and Ivory Coast, for care until the end of the hostilities.
Even though the agencies representing Joint Church Aid are in principle
against the evacuation of children from Biaf'ra, they are providing airlift
to Sao Tome and back and help with facilities there. The Governor of Sao
Tome has agreed to the entry of 150 children at one time. All children are
received at a hospital. When they are able, they are transferred to rest
centers-several are in operation. As the children reach a good degree of
health, many of them are taken back to their families and villages in Biaf'ra
and additional children are brought to Sao Tome for medical and rehabilitative
care and return. Some of the rest centers are being supported by the
Joint Church Aid, Catholic and N0FU)CHURCHAID groups. Reports indicate that
these organizations are making a contribution equivalent to $2.50 to $3.50
a day each for the children.
Following is a report on children evacuated up to May 17, 1969 :
French Military Hospital (largely financed by
French Red Cross - ~ibreville)
Joint German Caritas-Diakonisheswerk Center
(11 kilometers East 3f ~ibreville)
Two Caritas International Centers in
Libreville
Several small Caritas centers
Placed by Caritas in private families
Schweitzer Hospital, Lambarene
Two Terre Des Homes Centers in Libreville
Diocese of Mouila
Gabon