2017 PJ3520 Dutch Relief Alliance Central African Republic Joint Response 3 (CFJR3)

Since the end of 2012, after 3 years of instability, the size and complexity of the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic is unprecedented. The political-military crisis has severely damaged social texture and inter-communal tensions have reached the highest level in history. From September 2016 onwards, communities in north-west CAR have experienced an upsurge of violence, marking the end of the ‘grace period’ of the newly-elected President. Movement of rebel groups around Markounda and Batangafo has frequently hindered the delivery of programmes, with many agencies’ operations halted in November. It is reported that 50 people were killed and a further 17,000 displaced in Ouham between 21 and 27 November. The socio-economic reintegration of IDPs and host communities remains a priority, following the collapse of the economy in CAR as a result of the conflict. Agriculture, the economic mainstay, saw a drop of 58% in production in 2014 as insecurity, displacement and the destruction of community structures resulted in a decimation of livelihoods options. Of two million people in need of humanitarian assistance, at least 65% have lost their means of subsistence (HRP 2017). Economic reintegration is a critical component of the DDR process and is required to build the resilience of populations and support the transition from humanitarian relief to longer-term development in CAR. The child protection sub-cluster has identified severe gaps in child protection provision in both Markounda and Batangafo.