The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called for special psychological treatment for tsunami-affected children, while carrying on its program in disaster-hit southern Thailand.

"A large number of children are suffering from trauma," said a press release issued in Thailand by UNICEF on Wednesday.

"The effects of separation from families, the loss of parents and siblings, the devastation they witnessed, continue to take its toll," it said.

Many children are still too fearful to leave their parents side and return to school, particularly in the areas worst affected, said the document issued after UNICEF conducted spot checks throughout Thailand's six tsunami-hit provinces.

Aimed to relieve the impact on children, UNICEF has been working on several programs in affected areas.

In Thailand, UNICEF has fielded teams of specially trained pediatrician, psychiatrists and nurses to respond to the psychosocial needs of children, particularly through counseling and recreational activities.

By Friday, selected teachers from all six affected provinces will have received crash-course training in helping children cope with the psychological impact of the Tsunami emergency.

The UN agency has also provided training manuals for teachers and social workers, sports and play equipment for schools, as well as educational supplies, such as notebooks and pencils.

However, UNICEF affirmed that education will play a pivotal role in the healing process.

"By going back to school, children are provided with a sense of routine and a semblance of normalcy, in a safe and familiar environment," said Inese Zalitis, Representative for UNICEF Thailand.

UNICEF estimated that children make up at least one-third of the overall population in tsunami-affected countries, which have witnessed the rise of casualties to nearly 150,000.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2005)