UNICEF
What's
happening in the Central African Republic?
Over
a million children in the Central African Republic (CAR) are in
need of aid in a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian emergency.
Violent
conflict has left hundreds dead, including children. Just last
weekend, a convoy of civilians fleeing their homes was attacked,
resulting in the deaths of three children and 19 adults.
"Recent
months have been a time of horrific violence, suffering and
fear for children in the Central African Republic,” said
UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake from Bangui.
"They
have suffered death and injury and have witnessed terrible things
that no child should ever see, much less endure. Too many have been
displaced from their homes, separated from their families and
recruited by armed groups."
Over
half a million children have been forced to flee their
homes over the last six months, many hiding in the forests with
little or no access to basic services or help.
The
rainy season, beginning in March, will only worsen the situation for
hundreds of thousands of children living in temporary sites across
the country. So why not give a helping hand?
If
you want to donate go to
How
is UNICEF helping?
You'll probably want to know where your money is going to, don't you? Well, right now, a UNICEF-supported emergency vaccination campaign is underway, and plans to reach over 210,000 children displaced by violence in Bangui.
They've flown in 77 metric tons of blankets, soap, jerry cans, medicine, water purification supplies, plastic sheeting, and health and midwifery kits for up to 37,500 people.
Their teams are also working hard in order to set up safe spaces for children, and to reunite unaccompanied children with their families.
UNICEF continues to appeal to leaders of all armed groups so as to
stop attacks on civilians, to protect hospitals and displacement camps, and to provide the space needed for humanitarian workers to reach people who need critical assistance.
They've been working in the Central African Republic since 1968 and have 150 staff members on the ground in Bangui, Bossangoa, Kaga Bandoro and soon in Bambari.
Whenever and wherever children are in danger UNICEF responds rapidly with life-saving assistance and protection from the crisis in Syria to conflict in the CAR and South Sudan. Help for children caught in emergencies complements their long-term work to change children's lives for good.
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