UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

February 2014 - Since December 2012, all 4.6 million people living in the Central African Republic (CAR) have been affected by ongoing conflict and insecurity. Over the past year, fighting between armed groups and increasing vigilante violence have taken an immense toll on civilians and escalated humanitarian needs. Agricultural production has been disrupted and essential basic services, such as schools and medical facilities, have been shut down or destroyed in the fighting. There are widespread and increasing reports of looting, extortion, arbitrary arrests, torture, summary executions, sexual violence, and recruitment of children by roving bands of armed groups across the country. With the support of DFATD and other donors, UNICEF is providing protection and life-saving assistance to approximately 2,200,000 vulnerable people in the Central African Republic. Activities include: (i) treating 16,800 children under the age of five against severe acute malnutrition; (ii) vaccinating 739,000 children under the age of five against measles and providing 592,000 children and 152,000 pregnant women with anti-malaria treated bed nets; (iii) providing protection to 1,500 children formerly associated with armed forces and armed groups and integrate up to 80% of them back into their families; (iv) providing 400,000 children with learning and playing materials; (v) providing comprehensive services to 2,000 survivors of sexual-based violence; and (vi) ensuring access to potable water sources for 650,000 affected people, as well as improved sanitation services (such as access to clean water and soap) for 150,000 internally displaced people.