Great Lakes and Central Africa - UNHCR Appeal 2011

31 December 2010 - Many countries in the Great Lakes region and Central Africa are now largely free of the armed conflicts that have plagued the region over the past several years and continue to progress towards post conflict recovery and development. Despite these positive trends the region remains destabilized by very fragile security conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic which continue to cause large-scale internal population displacement refugee influxes into neighbouring countries and gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Protection basic health and medical assistance access to clean water and sanitation and shelter remain emergency needs for those affected by conflict and their hosts. In the context of increased stability elsewhere in the region durable solutions including sustainable returns local integration and resettlement are at the top of the humanitarian agenda for 2011. With CIDA support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is addressing the basic needs of displaced populations in this region. Activities focus on: strengthening protective mechanisms and increasing local capacities to respond to the needs of vulnerable groups; supporting the creation of an environment which is conducive to voluntary return in safety and dignity and which reduces the risks of further displacement; and facilitating humanitarian assistance through the provision of essential relief items camp coordination and camp management activities.