Central African Republic: Common Humanitarian Fund allocates $13.2 million to respond to the crisis

(Bangui, 10 August 2015): The country-based Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF) in the Central African Republic (CAR) has allocated US$13.2 million for life-saving assistance to people displaced by violence, returnees, refugees and vulnerable host communities. The money will support international and local aid agencies to deliver aid to people to receive: clean water and sanitation, camp management of IDP sites, education, healthcare, livelihoods support, nutrition, protection, strengthening means of subsistence, and shelter. The money will also pay for key logistics support to enable humanitarians to reach deep field locations with assistance.

“Thanks to donors who have contributed in 2015, this CHF allocation allows humanitarian partners to continue helping thousands of displaced people and host families,” said Mr Aurélien A. Agbénonci, Humanitarian Coordinator in CAR. “However, it is only three per cent of the $415 million we still need by the end of the year if we are to save more lives and reach all people in acute need in 2015,” he continued.

This second allocation of the multi-donor funding mechanism amounting US$13.2 million to United Nations agencies and non-government organizations will respond to the most critical humanitarian needs in the country and will complement the $14.7 million allocated by the fund since the beginning of the year.

With a projected 2.7 million people in direct need of urgent humanitarian assistance in the country, such support is critical. “This allocation was necessary as the money will help people who have been worst affected by violence, disease and displacement. Our goal is to make sure aid gets to those who need it the most and as quickly as possible. However, while donors give more generously every year, halfway through the year more funds is still needed to continue to meet affected people’s needs.” Mr Agbénonci added.

The CHF was established in 2008 at the initiative of humanitarian donors. Managed by OCHA, it aims to provide rapid and flexible financing to the most critical humanitarian needs. As of July 2015, the Fund has received $17.8 million in contributions from Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In 2014, a total amount of $27.1 million was contributed.