A United Nations report says more than 200,000 people have been displaced in the Central African Republic amidst the violence and insecurity.
UN says more than 92,000 have crossed the borders into the Democratic People's Republic of Congo and more than 13,000 have fled to Cameroon in search of refuge. Other people have been displaced within the country.
UNHCR spokesperson Boris Cheshirkov said the continuing volatility has hampered the humanitarian response. He says it has made it more difficult to access people displaced inside the CAR.
Speaking during the bi-weekly UN briefing in Geneva Chesirkov said, “Armed groups are reportedly present in the Batangafo and Bria sites where displaced communities are sheltering, in violation of the humanitarian and civilian nature of those sites.”
74-year-old Joseph has become a refugee for the third time in his life.
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) January 29, 2021
Following election violence in Central African Republic, he fled for his life and found safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. https://t.co/lhhRbTtTgJ pic.twitter.com/uabx93e23S
He added, “Such presence poses a grave protection risk for those displaced, from the risk of forced recruitment to restriction of movement to extortion or threats.”
“UNHCR is pre-positioning emergency supplies in Yakoma, North Ubangi province before vast areas become inaccessible by road with the looming rainy season in six weeks when costly airlifts will be the only means of delivering assistance”, Mr. Chershikov said.
According to the United Nations, it has appealed for international support so humanitarians can continue providing lifesaving assistance to the refugees and their host communities. Only 2% of the required $151.5 Million has been so far.
