“All humans are entitled to basic rights including the right to food, the right to work, education and freedom of expression. But often they don’t realise this. ICMC helps people become aware of their rights and the life they deserve.

"In Pakistan there are close to 40 million people living in poverty, most of which are either homeless or living in slum settlements in urban areas.

What sort of work are you doing with ICMC?

“We protect the needs of uprooted people, like refugees, displaced people and migrants.

 "We particularly want to help people who are vulnerable - those with disabilities, elderly people, women and children. People like this can be missed by large emergency relief agencies.”

What sort of things do people need in a typical community in Northern Pakistan?

ICMC is helping the most vulnerable people by making sure they know their rights and that their voices are heard. “A community anywhere in the world needs a hospital or clinic with male and female doctors or nurses, where local people can get medicine if they need it.

"They also need a school for both younger and older children and water and sanitation. Communities should also be safe, especially for women and children. "In areas of Northern Pakistan, many of these things are missing. "ICMC is helping the most vulnerable people by making sure they know their rights and that their voices are heard.”

What impact is this having?

We knew that we could help Muhammad so we contacted his father and together we arranged for Muhammad to have a hearing aid, which he didn‘t know he was entitled to.

“I recently met a young boy named Muhammad Ehsaan who lives in the Muzaffarabad district. He goes to school but is deaf and has learning difficulties, which makes learning very difficult for him.

"We knew that we could help Muhammad so we contacted his father and together we arranged for Muhammad to have a hearing aid, which he didn‘t know he was entitled to.

"He is also visiting a speech therapist regularly. School is much easier for him now.

What are your hopes for the future?

"I hope to see a time where people in Pakistan have easy access to things such as basic healthcare, education, shelter and safe water, and the confidence to demand their rights.

Do you have a message for CAFOD’s supporters?

Thanks to your kindness and generosity, a real difference is being made in this area.

"During a rights awareness session, a young girl said:

'This is the first time that anyone told me that even girls have rights. I did not know I had the same rights as my brothers.' "Thanks to your kindness and generosity, a real difference is being made in this area. “Your generosity has brought change to the lives of so many people who have lost their homes in Pakistan. "You have helped us to start important work but it will take time for us to see long-term change. Your continued support is still very much needed."

 *Names have been changed to protect identities