Crisis in Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is one of the toughest places in the world to be a child.
Violence, population movements and natural disasters continue to weigh heavily on children in the Central African Republic. Despite some decrease in the levels of insecurity and conflict-related violence, millions of people require humanitarian assistance.
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Impact on children | How we’re responding | Results for children | Situation updates
What’s happening in Central African Republic?
In December 2013, Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, descended into a brutal bloodbath as the already fragile state was further weakened. Early signs of recovery and rebuilding soon gave way to a dramatic resurgence in fighting, with armed groups frequently targeting civilians rather than each other.
Despite a February 2019 peace agreement signed between the Government and 14 armed groups, the security situation remains precarious, with a decade of protracted conflict and instability leaving every single one of country’s three million children at risk. Although insecurity has somewhat decreased since the peak of the 2021 post-election crisis, the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic remains critical as violence, displacement, and natural disasters continue to affect families, particularly those in the most vulnerable areas.
How are children being affected?
Although security and stability have improved in parts of the country, Central African Republic remains one of the toughest places in the world to be a child. Around 70 per cent of the population lives in extreme poverty, while the infant mortality rate is one of the highest in the world. Millions of people continue to face violence, natural disasters and displacements that drastically limit their access to essential services, including healthcare and education for children. There is also a significant need for safe water supplies and dignified sanitation – only one in three people in Central African Republic has access to a basic water supply, while less than one in five has access to sanitation.
Meanwhile, child marriage is widespread. In humanitarian contexts, child marriage is often used by families as a negative coping strategy due to declining income. In Central African Republic, child marriage and early pregnancy, along with insecurity and the need to travel long distances to school, are the main factors that lead girls to drop out of school.
More than anything, Central African Republic’s children desperately need security. The places they go for protection and support – including schools, hospitals and places of worship – have come under attack by the armed groups.
What is UNICEF doing to help?
Despite challenging security and access conditions, UNICEF and partners have continued to respond wherever possible. UNICEF is on the ground supporting efforts to release children from armed groups; reunifying separated or unaccompanied children with their families; providing appropriate psychosocial support to children affected by conflict; addressing preventable childhood illnesses, malaria, HIV and malnutrition; developing sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in underserved areas; and helping children access safe learning spaces and quality education.
UNICEF is prioritizing child-centred, life-saving interventions and risk reduction to support displaced, returning and host communities in the Central African Republic who have been impacted by the enduring crisis, recurring epidemics and natural disasters.
Results for children in Central African Republic
Updated 31 December 2024
