Central African Republic observes International Day for Disaster Reduction

OVER 500 GATHER TO DISCUSS NATURAL DISASTERS AS THEY RECOVER FROM FLOODS
Bangui, Central African Republic (C.A.R.), 12th October 2005 - Over 500 people, including local authorities and politicians, senior diplomats, clergy, and media, gathered today for the UN-led celebration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction in Ouango, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the C.A.R.'s capital city of Bangui. The bulk of attendees were however local residents, affected by the floods that devastated the country since August, and currently in receipt of international aid. The grounds of the Dioceses provided the ideal venue for the event. On behalf of Archbishop Paulin Pombodimo, Father Yves Gautier of Caritas thanked the UN for their presence in the area. Basile Akelelo, Mayor of Ouango, echoed these sentiments by expressing the gratitude of the local population for the solidarity extended to them.

After observing a minute of silence for the victims of the earthquake in South Asia, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Stan Nkwain read out the message from the Secretary General. "The main objective of this day is awareness", he added, "Natural catastrophes cannot be prevented. But national authorities, the international community, NGOs, and civil society, must all work together to limit the consequences of any disaster that may strike". Fabrice Boussalem, Crisis Prevention and Recovery Advisor with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasized the importance of capacity-building, enabling locals to be at the forefront of the reconstruction process from its early stages. "This process lets individuals employ their full potential, empowering them to improve their lives by using their own resources, thus maximizing their dignity and security", he added.

Desiré Ndemazagoa, water and sanitation officer with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), provided an overview of the actions undertaken by the UN and its partners to help flood victims: water distribution; awareness campaigns against epidemics; epidemiological surveillance; vaccination programmes; pre-positioning of medical materials; provision of food including high-nutrition therapeutic biscuits, as well as lamps and blankets; cleaning of the drainage system. But he admitted shortcomings: "International aid has enabled the local populations to live through this natural disaster with dignity. But these actions were not sufficient to address all problems. This was due to a shortage of resources, but also lack of strategic planning and monitoring. In partnership with the rest of the international community and in response to the needs expressed by Government, the UN will do all they can to improve the quantity, quality and relevance of the aid provided".

Local beneficiaries thanked the UN for their help, but not all their needs were met. "After the floods, life at night has become impossible in this neighbourhood, because of [malaria-carrying] mosquitoes. We ask the international community for mosquito nets", said Jean-Roman Andja, a local resident who lost his two-year old son in the flood. An urgent appeal for aid to the country's social and humanitarian crisis had been earlier made by the Archbishop during his homily of 25th September: "[Our country is] abandoned by the international community. We launch a vibrant appeal [for them to come urgently to our aid]", he said. Maurizio Giuliano, Public Information Officer for the Humanitarian Coordinator, noted: "International funding for humanitarian projects in this country has been disappointingly low. Our mandate is indeed to raise awareness of the situation, to improve advocacy, and ultimately ensure better funding to help those in need".

Jerôme Lavou, a local Member of Parliament, expressed dissatisfaction with the way relief was handled, stating: "You provided goods to the Government, that we never received. Why don't you come and give food and other materials directly to those in need?". Mr. Nkwain said: "There are always lessons to be learnt, and no doubt we would respond to a new flood, better than we did this time". Souleymane Beye, Humanitarian Affairs Officer for the Humanitarian Coordinator, had worked for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Guinea following the floods of 2001 that cut off the whole district of Mandiana, and noted: "The main lesson learnt at that time, was that the existence of a multi-sectorial Government counterpart was essential for the UN to provide the required assistance, and at the same time reinforce Government capacities to actively coordinate humanitarian interventions as well as take a lead in recovery efforts".

This year's theme for the commemoration was "Invest to prevent disaster", linked to the International Year of Microcredit. Davide Stefanini, Microfinance Advisor with UNDP, stated: "In addition to equipping local neighbourhoods to better face natural calamities, microfinance can provide a crucial safety net at the individual level for disaster victims". Local resident Véronique Kamida sensed the crucial connection between post-disaster recovery and microfinance: "My house was flooded, I lost everything. Fortunately I had saved 40'000 francs [USD 75] with the credit union. I could not believe that my money was still there. This enabled me to repair the house, buy kitchen tools and food, and restart my work as a petty trader". Mr. Stefanini noted: "Savings are an effective tool in reducing the impact of natural catastrophes: to save, means to prevent. The existence of microfinance institutions is crucial after a natural catastrophe. For example, by taking out loans, survivors can take socio-economic reconstruction into their own hands, which means self-reliance and dignity". UNDP is supporting 14 credit unions across the country, which will become one single network on 21st October with a major ceremony.

For media enquiries please contact:

Maurizio Giuliano, Public Information Officer, Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, C.A.R.
Email: maurizio.giuliano@undp.org
Tel: +236-031825

Stephanie Bunker, Spokesperson, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), New York
Email: bunker@un.org
Tel: +1-212-917-3675126

Elizabeth Byrs, Spokesperson, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Geneva
Email: byrs@un.org
Tel: +41-22-9172653

For other information and donor enquiries please contact:

Aurelien Buffler, Desk Officer, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), New York
Email: buffler@un.org
Tel: +1-917-36750879

Janet Puhalovic, Desk Officer, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Geneva
Email: puhalovic@un.org
Tel: +41-22-9173194