CERF allocates more than $7 million in humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic
17 May 2013: The ongoing armed and political conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) has caused a major humanitarian crisis affecting an estimated 4.5 million people. Frequent attacks on civilians have forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Many remain internally displaced, while others have fled to neighbouring countries – particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo.
Since 10 December 2012, rebel groups have looted and destroyed humanitarian facilities, government infrastructure and private property, leaving hospitals without medicines and children without access to education. Civilians have been subjected to killings, physical violence, unlawful arrests and gender-based violence, while children have been threatened with forced recruitment.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has provided a rapid response grant of US$7,133,080 to seven UN agencies. The allocations are expected to benefit 1,142,000 people.
With an allocation of $375,014, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will strengthen the presence of protection mechanisms in areas where civilians have been most affected by the armed violence. UNHCR will also collect, analyse and increase advocacy on human rights violations and the protection of civilians.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has received $2,416,494 to provide food assistance in displaced and host communities. WFP will also strengthen logistics by providing both Internet service and common security communications services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has received $875,000 to support early detection of and response to epidemic-prone diseases, as well as to provide emergency health kits, trauma kits, reproductive and essential paediatric drugs, among others.
With an allocation of $2,213,003, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will seek to ensure immediate medical and psychosocial support for victims of gender-based violence. UNICEF will also protect children from being recruited by armed groups and reunify children who have been separated from their families due to the crisis.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will use its allocation of $806,215 to distribute agricultural production kits and livestock.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has received $279,792 to procure and distribute emergency supplies and dignity kits. UNFPA will also train 80 health workers to provide supportive supervision at targeted health facilities.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has received $167,562 to provide time critical solid waste management in close cooperation with UNICEF WASH solid waste removal activities.