THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD

Published purpose

The humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) is the result of more than a decade of internal conflict and growing criminal violence. Bandits continue to take advantage of the absence of the state in many parts of the country, and attack travelers or entire villages. One million people in the CAR, including 197,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) now rely on international assistance to meet their basic needs. Key humanitarian needs include food; water and sanitation services; emergency medical care; nutritional support; and shelter. Since October of 2006, CIDA has been supporting the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) in CAR to provide efficient air services in support of humanitarian relief operations. As a result of expanding relief operations since that time, an increased demand for the UNHAS has put significant pressure on the existing operation. With poor road infrastructure and road banditry causing high travel insecurity, the UNHAS is needed to safely meet the travel requirements of humanitarian relief operation employees. This contribution allows CIDA to continue to support the UNHAS to reach seventeen locations within the CAR, where UN relief agencies and non-governmental organizatons are providing humanitarian assistance.