What we do
Discover how UNICEF in the Central African Republic helps children to realize their rights
- English
- Français
Our programmes
Respect for child rights in the Central African Republic
Compared to previous years, the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic has known some improvement. However, several humanitarian challenges remain. Linked to the national socio-political context, issues of good governance, military-political crises and clashes between armed groups have continued to have a negative impact on children, many of whom are unable to fully enjoy their rights to education, health, protection and development. In this context, UNICEF in CAR works to uphold children's rights, ensure a better future for them and empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Together with its partners in the Central African Republic, UNICEF is working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global objectives to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. In this context, UNICEF has adopted a cooperation programme document (CPD) with the government covering the period 2023-2027. Several results have already been achieved, with progress in the areas of vaccination, transition from primary to secondary school, prevention of early marriage, and access to clean water, with the aim of ensuring that more children live and develop in a healthy and protective environment. More specifically, UNICEF's actions focus on vaccination, education in emergencies, treatment of severe acute malnutrition, and protection of children from violence and exploitation, including in emergency situations. In the Central African Republic, 2.8 million people – 46% of the population – including 1.3 million children, are in need of humanitarian aid. In 2025, approximately seven out of ten Central Africans were living below the poverty line on less than $2.15 per day, making the CAR one of the 10 poorest countries in the world. At the beginning of the same year, one in six Central Africans was internally displaced or a refugee. Despite these challenges, we are working tirelessly to improve the living conditions and rights of children in CAR. Field operations are managed by the main office in Bangui and our regional teams. |
Every child and woman has a right to a fair chance to survive and thrive.
Every child has the right to receive an appropriate and quality education.
Every child has the right to be protected from violence, abuse and exploitation.
Emergency and Humanitarian Response
Provide assistance to children and women affected by humanitarian emergencies.
Every child has the right to access safe drinking water and sanitation, and to grow up in a healthy and clean environment.
Four priorities
Free access to vaccines. Provide vaccines and ensure compliance with the cold chain in health facilities to ensure that every child is vaccinated.
Treatment of severe acute malnutrition
Prevention, monitoring and treatment of severe acute malnutrition: UNICEF provides therapeutic products and ensures that health workers know how to recognize and care for affected children.
Inclusive access to education in emergency situations, through Temporary Learning and Child Protection Spaces and professional training for teachers.
Protection of children from violence and exploitation
The demobilization and reintegration of children associated with armed groups, holistic care for survivors of sexual violence and the fight against other forms of violence.