Protection of Displaced Persons in the Central African Republic - UNHCR 2009

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; clean water and sanitation services; emergency medical care; nutritional support; and shelter. CIDA's contribution is supporting the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to implement an integrated strategy for the protection of an estimated 100 000 IDPs in northern CAR. Specific activities include capacity building for local officials; establishing networks to ensure the protection of IDPs under international human rights and humanitarian law; and the more direct provision of shelter and non-food items health care and education to internally displaced populations. The project is expected to reach an estimated 154 000 beneficiaries.