The supplies comprise 76 tents, 2,210 blankets, 25 emergency health kits including bandages, soaps, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers etc.; approximately 500 kitchen sets, 1,100 T-shirts, 900 packs of water purification tablets and 1764 water containers valued at $70,000.

The refugees are located in the Fergana Valley near the border of the two countries. The Uzbekistan Government has opened schools and colleges to accommodate the refugees who have streamed out of Osh and Jalalabad, just across the border in Kyrgyzstan since ethnic fighting began last Thursday.

Based on official figures, UNICEF estimates refugees to number approximately 100,000. Ninety per cent are women, children and the elderly.

Further supplies are being procured in Uzbekistan and internationally and will be delivered as they are received.

UNICEF is deeply concerned about the condition of children in Southern Kyrgyzstan, and urges all parties to protect them.