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• Caribbean
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• Society
• Personalities
• 02 / 10 / 2010

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UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman has wrapped up a visit Haiti and the Dominican Republic. She visited younger quake survivors, many of whom have been seriously injured, traumatized or lost limbs, both in Haiti itself and in hospitals and care centers in the neighboring Dominican Republic.

At a news conference in the Dominican capital, she said she met many children who were recovering from severe injuries, "including a five-year-old girl whose leg had been amputated.” Ms. Veneman said that the girl has been seriously traumatized and barely speaks. "It is difficult for her to understand the tragedy that happened and the loss of her leg."

Ms. Veneman said: “With an estimated 38 percent of the population of Haiti under the age of 15, this is a children’s emergency," noting she had heard countless stories of heartbreak but also of heroic compassion and bravery that saved lives.

Source: Cubasi.com