Evanna Lynch in Philippines mission

Actress Evanna Lynch vaccinated newborn babies and distributed schoolbags as part of a visit to the Philippines with the European Union and UNICEF Ireland to meet children whose lives were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan last November. The visit launches a new online campaign to raise the voices of children in emergencies, childrensvoices.ie

The Harry Potter star from Termonfeckin, Co Louth, saw first-hand the life-saving work being undertaken by the children’s organisation with the support of the European Union to help communities recover from tragedy by ‘building back better’ health clinics, water systems and the vaccination cold chain - as well as getting boys and girls back to school and into child friendly spaces.

“I was so inspired by the young people I met in the Philippines who survived typhoon Haiyan,” said Evanna. “I heard their stories and was invited into their homes and was witness to the fact that they lost everything in the typhoon- their homes, possessions, livelihood and indeed many family members and friends.

“And yet, in the face of this tragedy they are still so full of hope and determination to make something of their lives, to finish their education and make their own contributions to the world. There was no anger, bitterness or fear there, just love and gratitude for what they had and hope for what lay ahead of them. UNICEF and the European Union have helped in this process of repairing their spirits and rediscovering their dreams by repairing their classrooms, providing school bags and supplies to help get children back to school.

“The sad truth is that children are the most vulnerable when an emergency hits so it's so important that we care for them on every level. I experienced first-hand how simple it is to give a newborn baby a couple of drops of polio vaccine that will protect them for life. But I also visited a hospital ward where I saw how, without early interventions and help for struggling families, small children can end up malnourished and sick from preventable diseases. There's so much we can do for these children that is doable.

 

“The young people I met spoke openly and courageously about their own tragic experiences and yet in the wake of a disaster like Haiyan their individual voices can be lost. It’s been a life-changing experience for me to meet and hear these people speak and I just want to help make their stories heard.'

The European Union and UNICEF Ireland are joining for the Children’s Voices campaign to highlight the situation of millions of children around the world affected by disasters, catastrophes and conflicts -- by giving some of these boys and girls the opportunity to tell their stories.

“Together, the European Union and UNICEF are helping millions of children affected by emergencies every year. We ensure that urgently needed aid reaches them. We deliver hope.  But we can only do so if the fears and concerns, brave struggles, dreams and aspirations of these girls and boys are heard. Let’s all help them raise their voices!'saidKristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response.

Executive Director, UNICEF Ireland, Peter Power, said: “The recovery in Tacloban seven months after Haiyan effectively destroyed the entire city is remarkable. It’s amazing to see children and families rebuild their lives with generous donations from Ireland and the European Union. 

“Children are always the most vulnerable in humanitarian crises, and most at risk of disease, malnutrition, exploitation and abuse. Many have their education interrupted and experience severe psychological distress. Right now, millions of children, including those in South Sudan and Syria, are at risk of dying from hunger, disease and violence. It is vital that we give children in crisis a voice and listen to them when we’re planning the humanitarian response.”

The Children’s Voices campaign brings together the stories of children living in humanitarian emergencies who are currently suffering in silence and asks the public to lend their voice to ensure that children in emergencies are heard. The campaign uses digital and social media platforms to amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalised children.