Central African Republic: Humanitarian Coordinator stresses that humanitarian organizations are strongly committed to staying and delivering assistance

The Humanitarian Coordinator, Aurélien A. Agbénonci reiterates that humanitarian organizations are committed to staying and delivering assistance to the vulnerable population in the Central African Republic (CAR). He also emphasizes that despite various constraints, humanitarian access remains possible.

“Despite the security constraints, humanitarian actors continue to provide assistance to the affected population. We remain firmly committed to maintaining our presence in the country and to provide the necessary assistance to the population in areas where humanitarian access is possible,” said Mr. Agbénonci.

The offices and residences of national and international NGOs as well as international organizations were looted during the sudden outbreak of violence that began on 26 September in Bangui. The clashes left 42 people dead, 414 injured and more than 37,000 people have fled areas of fighting to seek refuge in host families and in 32 displacement sites in the nation’s capital city, Bangui.
About two hundred humanitarian workers had to be temporarily relocated out of the Central African Republic, transported aboard humanitarian aircrafts (UNHAS and ECHO flights), after being securely transferred from their meeting points to the airport.

About a hundred other non-essential staff were relocated to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The security situation has deteriorated, impeding the freedom of movement of humanitarian workers since the beginning of the crisis.

“We must continue with the emergency response. Access to displaced populations is crucial. The needs of displaced persons are increasing every day and our main aim is to provide assistance to those in need, regardless of their political affiliation, race or ethnicity in compliance with the humanitarian principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality,” added Mr. Agbénonci.

Following the recent violence there are over 417,000 displaced people in the country and about 2,7 million people, over half of the population, are in urgent need of assistance.

For further information please contact:
OCHA CAR: Francois Goemans Head of Office +236 70738730, goemans@un.org;
Gemma Cortes, Head of Public Information, +236 70087565, cortesg@un.org
Laura Fultang, Public Information /Reports Officer, fultang@un.org
OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int