(car) monthly report march 2008

UNICEF CENTRAL UNICEF CENTRAL AFRICANAFRICAN REPUBLIC REPUBLIC (CAR)(CAR) Monthly ReportMonthly Report March 2008March 2008

Table of Contents 1. Summary 1 2. Humanitarian Overview 2

Country Summary 2 Political Summary 3 Insecurity 4

3. Programme Updates 6 Child Survival and Development 6 HIV/AIDS 7 Education 7 Protection 7 NFIs/Shelter 9 4. UNICEF CAR Funding 10

This report highlights UNICEF’s actions in the Central African Republic in March 2008. It covers programmes

throughout the country. It should be noted that this report does not attempt to report on every activity

undertaken, but instead provides a sample of UNICEF’s programming across CAR.

1. Summary

o EUFOR commences its year-long deployment in CAR o APRD rebels clash with government soldiers near Chad

o 55 children kidnapped during rebel attacks in south-eastern CAR

o 65,000 people vaccinated against meningitis in northern CAR

o Almost 300 parent-teachers trained around CAR

o UNICEF helps thousands of women celebrate International Women’s Day

o Current UNICEF appeal funded at just 6%

List of Acronyms

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross

APRD The Popular Army for the Restoration of Democracy

IDPs Internally Displaced Persons

CAM Comité d’Aide Médicale IMC International Medical Corps CAP Consolidated Appeals Process IMF International Monetary Fund CAR Central African Republic IRC International Rescue Committee CEMAC Economic and Monetary

Community of Central Africa MINURCAT The United Nations Mission in the

Central African Republic and Chad

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale MSF Médecins Sans Frontières CSD Child Survival and Development NFIs Non-Food Items DRC Democratic Republic of the Congo NGO Non-Governmental Organization ERF Emergency Response Fund NID National Immunization Day EUFOR The European Union Force in Chad

and CAR NRC Norwegian Refugee Council

FGM Female Genital Mutilation PDDR Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme

GAM Global Acute Malnutrition PRGF The Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility

GBV Gender-Based Violence UFDR Union of Democratic Forces for Unity

GCM Global Chronic Malnutrition UNFPA United Nations Population Fund HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund HRW Human Rights Watch WASH Water and Sanitation IAC Inter-African Committee on

Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children

WHO World Health Organization

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2. Humanitarian Overview Country Summary The Central African Republic is suffering from a multi-faceted crisis. Located right at the heart of the African continent, this forgotten country has endured more than a decade of armed conflict. The worst affected regions are located in the north-east and north-west, where rebel forces and government troops frequently clash. The continuing waves of violence have created mass displacement and the complete decimation of public infrastructure. This is having a significant impact on the lives of women and children across CAR. Current figures estimate that 295,000 people have already been forcibly displaced; 197,000 of these have remained in the country, and a further 98,000 have been displaced into neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Sudan. In return, CAR has received thousands of refugees displaced by conflicts in Chad and Sudan. With an Infant Mortality Rate of 106 per 1000 and an Under-5 Mortality Rate of 176 per 1000, the country has some of the continent’s worst child survival indicators, despite significant improvements over the past few years. Malnutrition rates continue to be of great concern to the organization. The recent MICS survey estimated that 38% of the country’s under-5s suffer from Global Chronic Malnutrition while a further

10% suffer from Global Acute Malnutrition. In addition, the HIV prevalence rate (6.2%) is amongst the highest in the region. Across the country, a third of the population completely lacks access to clean water and sanitation facilities. As a result, preventable diseases spread. Only 51% of children get the opportunity to attend primary school, although the figure is much lower in CAR’s conflict-affected prefectures, with the majority of schools being closed due to the ongoing instability. Lack of protection is a major issue for many women and children, especially as children (including girls) continue to be used in armed conflict, particularly in the country’s north-west. As documented in the September Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, rape and GBV remain prevalent. Despite funding constraints, UNICEF is continuing to work closely with its specialized partner agencies in order to improve these indicators in an effort to enhance human welfare and development across this forgotten country.

Core Country Data

Population 4,216,666

People affected by violence 1,000,000

Refugees in Chad, Cameroon, Sudan 98,000

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 197,000

GDP per capita $352

Infant Mortality Rate

(per 1,000)

106

Child <5 Mortality Rate

(per 1,000)

176

Maternal Mortality Rate

(per 100,000)

1,355

Population without Access to Safe

Water

1,400,000

HIV overall prevalence 6.2%

Primary School Enrolment (net) 51.4%

Global Acute Malnutrition 10%

Global Chronic Malnutrition 38%

Rebel in north-eastern CAR

© UNICEF CAR/2007/Holtz

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Maïtikoulou

Political Summary The European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR) has commenced its deployment in the Central African Republic. In mid-March, 200 French soldiers, who were stationed in the north-east of the country, were passed over to EUFOR Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Poulain. The French troops are part of a 3,700-strong force which has a year-long mandate to protect refugees and IDPs in Chad and CAR. The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) has signed a mission agreement with Chadian authorities to establish the status of operations. The agreement was signed on 21 March in N’Djamena, Chad, by Victor Da Silva Angelo, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for MINURCAT. It sets out legal proceedings for the mission, including specifications for the safety and security of mission personnel. MINURCAT, which was authorized by the UN Security Council in September 2007, is operating alongside EUFOR in CAR and Chad. For the mission, 300 police officers and 50 military liaison officials will receive training, and authorities will be advised on human rights and security threats.

Throughout March, the Chadian army continued to raid villages on the CAR border. Since January there have been at least five cross-border attacks in the north-west of the country, with the Chadian army killing innocent civilians,

burning down villages and stealing cattle from local farmers and Peuhl nomads. The worst violence occurred in the towns of Markounda and Maïtikoulou, where rampages forced more than 1,000 people to flee their homes and cross into southern Chad. Because of the widespread insecurity in the north-western region, there are thousands of IDPs living in dire conditions in the bush or in camps. Almost 65,000 people in northern CAR have been vaccinated against meningitis following a recent outbreak. CAR lies within the so-called meningitis belt of Africa, which means that its population is particularly vulnerable. A successful vaccination campaign meant that three quarters of the population in the Nana-Gribizi prefecture were immunized against the deadly strain of meningococcal meningitis. The campaign, which was partly funded by the CAR Emergency Response Fund and was managed by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, was carried out by Central African health ministry officials. UNICEF played a key part in the vaccination campaign by supporting the health officials, with additional aid coming from the World Health Organization (WHO). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited the Central African Republic from March 6-20 to review its operations in the country. The Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) is the IMF’s low-interest lending facility for low-income countries. CAR is one of 78 economically under-developed countries that are eligible for the

Vaccination campaign


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PRGF. As part of the IMF mission, Martin Petri, mission chief for the Central African Republic, met with President François Bozizé, Prime Minister Faustin Archange Touadéra and several ministers and government officials. The IMF mission to CAR concluded that the country’s overall performance under the PRGF-supported program has been satisfactory. The IMF revealed that in 2007, economic recovery in CAR continued, with GDP growth rate exceeding 4 percent and inflation declining to about 1 percent. It is predicted that economic growth will continue. A second review of the PRGF arrangement has been scheduled for June 2008.

Insecurity Since 2005, north-western CAR has been plunged into insecurity due to clashes between rebels and government soldiers, and an increasing number of road bandits. As a result, there are currently 197,000

internally displaced people in the Central African Republic. An additional 98,000 people have sought refuge in the neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Sudan.

In recent months, spiralling regional violence has overwhelmed the Central African Republic. At the beginning of March, rebels from the Popular Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD) clashed with government soldiers in the north-western town of Bocaranga, close to the border with Chad. After two days of heavy fighting, five soldiers were killed and eight injured, while one APRD fighter was killed and two were injured. Prosecutors in the CAR capital Bangui continue to pursue violent rebels, many of whom have deserted the government army. Initiatives include a disarmament campaign, which was launched by President François Bozizé to mark his fourth year in power last year. The campaign aimed to gather the thousands of weapons circulating throughout the country. In May 2007, 500 men from the APRD turned themselves in to the authorities. The rebels had hoped that their action would lead to a peace deal between the APRD and the government. However, a deal has yet to be made, and the men have been held in arbitrary detention since handing themselves over to the authorities. The APRD is one of the only rebel groups in the country not to have signed a peace deal with the government. It is hoped that the ongoing national political dialogue will be able to resolve problems with the rebels.

Women and children in north-eastern CAR


Chad

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Children seek medical care in central CAR


On 14 March it was reported that road bandits had killed three hostages in northern CAR. The bandits are notorious for kidnapping innocent civilians and holding them captive until the huge ransoms they demand are paid. In February, five people, including the mayor of the north-western town of Koui, were kidnapped by the bandits, also known as ‘Zaraguinas’. Luckily, two of the hostages were released after their families managed to pay some of the ransom money, which had been set at seven million CAR francs (US$17,000). The other three hostages were not so lucky; having been ruthlessly killed, their bodies were dumped and later discovered by a group of nomads. There has been growing insecurity in the north of CAR, with armed gangs frequently kidnapping adults and even young children. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has temporarily suspended its mobile health clinic operations in the Central African Republic after an unidentified gunman shot at one of its ambulances and killed a woman. The ambulance was carrying the 32-year-old woman and her baby who had just been discharged from a health clinic in the town of Gordil. The attack occurred on 10 March in the north-eastern prefecture of Vakaga, which borders Sudan’s Darfur region. It is the second attack on the aid group in only nine months. MSF is a French medical and humanitarian aid non-governmental organization which operates several mobile health clinics in the remote regions of CAR. Unfortunately it is in the remote regions of the country that

roadside banditry is most prominent. Not even aid organizations are safe, and banditry is severely disrupting their operations.

At the beginning of March, several attacks were carried out by rebels in southern CAR. During one of the worst attacks that took place, on 5 March, nearly 100 rebels raided the remote town of Obo and forcefully abducted 80 civilians. Obo lies in the extreme south-east of CAR - a region where the government has little control. Following the attacks, CAR’s deputy defence minister, Jean-Francis Bozizé, sent UN personnel to the region to report on the situation. The UN has revealed that, as a result of all the raids that took place, a total of 150 people have been taken captive, and most have not yet been released. Perhaps most worrying is the fact that there are 55 children among those being held against their will. Of the adults in captivity, approximately 50 are women.

Sudan Chad

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3. Programme Updates Child Survival and Development (CSD) Monitoring Health UNICEF and WHO continue to monitor the meningitis outbreak, which occurred earlier this year. There has been an increase in the number of cases registered in health facilities around Nana-Gribizi, which is most likely related to the health awareness campaign carried out in the region. Unfortunately, the lethal rate of meningitis remains high, at 25%.

There has been an outbreak of wild poliovirus in countries neighbouring CAR – namely Cameroon, Chad and DRC. News of a potential epidemic is worrying, as the last case of wild poliovirus recorded in CAR was back in November 2004. Two polio NIDs (national immunization days) have been scheduled for April and May, and 1,700,000 doses of oral polio vaccines have been ordered. It is crucial that CAR carries out these preventive polio NIDs to keep the disease out of the country. UNICEF will be covering the operational costs for the vaccination campaigns, which targets children under five. UNICEF submitted a proposal to the UN Fund requesting the purchase and distribution of 740,000 impregnated mosquito nets. The nets would be distributed to all children under five in CAR during a campaign planned for November 2008.

UNICEF has requested US$315,000 of funding from the ERF. UNICEF submitted two project proposals for the funding. Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality In March, the UNICEF Health Programme worked on plans to implement pneumococcal conjugate vaccines as routine immunization in CAR. The vaccines are vital for preventing pneumonia and meningitis, which particularly affect children under five. If the plans are approved, the vaccines will be introduced in Bangui in January 2009, and in other districts from 2010. The second round of the campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus was held from 14 to 21 March. The campaign took place in health districts across the country, and results are awaited, as the campaign is ongoing in Vakaga and Haut-Mbomou. In Bamingui-Bangoran, north-eastern CAR, 6842 women of childbearing age have been vaccinated, while in Lobaye, south-western CAR, 40265 women have been vaccinated. A forum on improving healthcare accessibility to pregnant women and children under five is in preparation in CAR. The UNICEF Health Programme is playing an active role in the preparation by providing technical and financial support to the Ministry of Health.

UNICEF this month signed a protocol with the Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically Handicapped. The centre is run by the

Mother and child at a health clinic


Child proudly displays vaccination card


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Catholic church - more specifically by the archdiocese of Bangui. By collaborating with the centre, UNICEF aims to protect and support the handicapped children of Bangui. These children constitute more than 60% of patients at the rehabilitation centre. UNICEF is committed to reinforcing the operational capacities of the organization and has already provided the centre with furniture and impregnated mosquito nets for the hospital beds. UNICEF has also provided a power source to support the computer equipment at the rehabilitation centre. HIV/AIDS UNICEF funded the renovation of a youth centre in Bangui. The reconstruction of the centre was finished in March. UNICEF CAR realises the importance of having a sanctuary for the thousands of street children living in the city, many of whom suffer from HIV/AIDS. UNICEF has partnered with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth to ensure that the centre provides education, as well as various recreational activities, to the 2000 children for which it will cater. UNICEF has provided the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth with computers and software so that they can improve their report system.

Education Distribution of School Supplies UNICEF is committed to improving the quality of teaching in Central African

schools. In March, UNICEF CAR donated 41,500 schoolbooks to various NGOs within the country, including Caritas Bouar, COOPI, IRC and NRC. The schoolbooks that will be distributed will benefit 67,000 children.

UNICEF also gave 4 motorbikes to the Ministry of Education, and 2 motorbikes to NRC. Both NRC and the Ministry of Education are working with UNICEF to improve schools around CAR, and with the motorbikes, they will now be able to reach schools in the more remote regions, in order to distribute schoolbooks and other school supplies. Providing Training in Education UNICEF is supporting the training of parent-teachers with the hope of reopening all primary schools in north-eastern CAR. This month, 83 parent-teachers within the Haute-Kotto prefecture and 78 parent-teachers in the northern prefecture of Vakaga received training. Furthermore, 95 parent-teachers were trained in Ndélé, Bamingui-Bangoran. The training lasted for two weeks and took place at the regional teaching centres in Ndélé and Bambari. Additional support was provided by the teaching academy in Kaga-Bandoro, which has experience in the training of parent-teachers. Protection From 22 to 25 March, UNICEF joined a UN mission to south-eastern CAR to assess the security and human rights situation in the region. Between 19 February and 8

School children in Ngaoundaye


Mother and baby seek help


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March there were four major attacks on civilians launched by armed groups in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture. Reports have indicated that a significant number of child soldiers took part in the attacks, during which houses and health posts were looted and numerous incidences of rape and GBV took place. Additionally, 160 people, including 55 children, were abducted. By conducting interviews with witnesses of the attacks, UNICEF concluded that there is high priority for a humanitarian programme to be established in remote south-eastern CAR for victims, including rape survivors, to seek assistance.

International Women’s Day was celebrated on 8 March with the theme ‘Investing in Women and Girls.’ UNICEF CAR supported and promoted celebrations in Bangui, Bossangoa and Kaga-Bandoro. As well as recreational activities, debates and conferences were also held in the three cities as part of an awareness campaign from 6 to 8 March. In Bangui, a National Plan for the Promotion of Women’s Equality and Equity was put into effect, and the Ministry of Social Affairs launched a mutual benefits society for women. CEMAC also organised activities for women at the National Assembly. Activities in Bossangoa included a demonstration to promote education for girls. In Kaga-Bandoro, celebrations started with a march to protest against violence towards women. Thousands of women gathered to hear speeches from doctors and representatives from the Ministry of Education. The speeches focused on the

importance of education for women and the concept of women’s rights. Entertainment was also provided, with a local theatre group performing several short plays focusing on issues such as domestic violence. UNICEF is dedicated to promoting women’s rights and supporting victims of abuse. Thus International Women’s Day is one of the most significant dates in the calendar for women in Central Africa. From 18 to 28 March, UNICEF Kaga-Bandoro’s Reintegration Officer led a mission in eastern Vakaga in view of supporting emerging PDDR activities in the region. In Ouanda-Djallé, UNICEF is supporting a social support programme that IMC has started. The programme is targeted at female victims of sexual violence who, having been outcast by society, are left to fend for themselves and their children. Further north, in Birao, UNICEF’s partner CAM is also running community-based social programmes for women and children. UNICEF is supporting CAM’s programme, which runs recreational activities such as art classes and sport with the aim of putting a smile back on the faces of the women and children who previously lived in regions of conflict.

A joint UNICEF-IMC mission took place this month in eastern Vakaga to follow up on the children who were previously associated with UFDR. Of the 80 children identified in Ouanda-Djallé, over a quarter were girls who were used by the

Child in Kabo, northern CAR


Children in Sam Ouandja receive schoolbooks


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combatants to cook and fetch water and firewood, and many were victims of rape. While most of the boys entered the rebel group voluntarily, some were taken by force. The children, all aged between 12 and 18, have now returned to their families. Although many have also returned to school, most of the older children are not enrolled in any educational or professional activity. UNICEF’s partner IMC is therefore planning to open a centre that would offer professional training and education.

Last month, UNICEF helped to organize events for the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. The ‘Zero Tolerance to FGM’ programme was launched by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC) in February 2003. The IAC is an NGO that promotes the basic human rights of women and children by campaigning against FGM and other harmful traditional practices. The UN Commission on the Status of Women has since adopted the Resolution ‘Ending Female Genital Mutilation’, recognizing that female genital mutilation is a violation of women’s and girl’s rights. The 2008 event was themed ‘Partnering with the media to reach zero tolerance to FGM’. In Bangui, the IAC has organized a large public awareness campaign, and the celebrations were publicized through spots on radio and television, thus incorporating the IAC theme of drawing media attention to the widespread problem of female genital

mutilation. Female Genital Mutilation is practiced in 28 African countries, as well as in Asia and the Middle-East. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that up to 140 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation. An additional 2 million girls each year are at risk of FGM, with most procedures being done by non-medical personnel. UNICEF has a three-year mandate with the European Commission to change attitudes towards FGM in Africa. NFIs/Shelter There are currently 130 Darfuri refugee children in Birao, north-eastern CAR. While on mission in Birao, UNICEF Kaga-Bandoro’s Reintegration Officer carried out an assessment on the needs of a group of two hundred Sudanese refugees, who have been in CAR since the end of February. After their villages were attacked and burned, the refugees fled to the Am Dujun region in Darfur. There, they were attacked by Janjaweed militias, and were thus forced to escape to CAR. Many continue to flee the ongoing violence in Darfur and it is anticipated that the majority will cross over into CAR. The refugees are currently living in straw huts and, having lost everything, are relying on the people of Birao to help them survive. The most urgent need of the refugees is access to potable water. ICRC has started distributing NFIs and MSF Holland is providing medical support. However, there is still much to be done for the vulnerable population.

Rebels line up with their guns


Child in central CAR


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4. UNICEF CAR Funding

Funding Received in March 2008

Sector Donor Contribution (US$)

Water and Sanitation

Government of Ireland

743,303

Total: 743,303

Funding Received in 2008

Appeal Sector Requirements by Sector

(US$)

Funds Received (US$)

Unmet Requirements

(US$)

% Unfunded

Health and Nutrition 7,855,940 7,855,940 100%

Water and Sanitation 1,966,550 844,008 1,122,542 57%

Protection 1,877,850 1,877,850 100%

Education 1,901,529 1,901,529 100%

NFIs/Shelter 1,669,200 1,669,200 100%

Total: 15,271,069 844,008 14,427,061 94%

Total Funding Received 2007 – 2008

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End of 2007 CAP Funding Status

Appeal Sector Requirements by Sector

(US$)

Funds Received (US$)

Unmet Requirements

(US$)

% Unfunded

Health and Nutrition 6,648,848 2,444,780 4,204,068 63%

Water and Sanitation 2,318,690 1,014,197 1,304,493 56%

Protection 1,278,200 662,207 615,993 48%

Education 1,452,739 2,252,503 n/a n/a

NFIs/Shelter 1,572,310 411,712 1,160,598 74%

Cross-Sectoral n/a 777,212 n/a n/a

Total: 13,270,787 7,562,611 7,285,152 55% UNICEF would like to express its gratitude to those donors who have recently contributed to the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP). Your donations have significantly improved the ability of UNICEF CAR to respond to the needs of some of the country’s most vulnerable women and children. UNICEF hopes that such support will continue in the future and that other donors will assist the organization with its financial needs. This is vital if UNICEF is to continue the work it has already begun, and expand its programmes to areas where they are most needed – particularly in the fields of Water/Sanitation (WASH), HIV/AIDS and Protection for which funding is most lacking.

Source: World Bank 2005

Share of population living on less than US$1/day (Bottom seven countries)

Gambia Niger Burkina Faso

67% 61% 59% 61%

CAR

73% 70% 64%

Mali Nigeria Zambia

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(car) monthly report march 2008

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