Central African Republic Current Emergency

Por Karina Zapata-Roche
May 29th, 2017

 

An informal settlement in the area of Bambari. More than 100,000 new internally displaced persons have been forced to flee their homes. JRS 2017.

We are approaching the celebration of the most significant day dedicated to Refugees, World Refugee Day, on the 20th of June.

The extremely difficult situation which many people find themselves in today has become critical and has forced many to flee from their homes. Last week we presented you Zozan’s story as an example of the critical situation which thousands of people face today. This week we present you an urgent and frightening reality from Central Africa.

The Central African Republic has been experiencing a new deterioration of its security situation. Between September 2016 and February 2017, more than 100,000 new internally displaced people have been forced to flee their homes in these regions.

More than 20% of the population remains displaced (401,072 persons) within the country’s borders or are refugees (463,759 persons) in neighboring countries.
More than 60% of the territory remains in the grip of armed militias, beyond any control by the State.
48% of the population suffers from hunger and only has one meal per day (WFP).
Only 35% of the population has access to drinkable water and 27% to sanitation services (OCHA).
2.2 million Central Africans, i.e. half of the population, depend on humanitarian aid for their survival (OCHA). From JRS

It is time for all of us to act!

How can you do this?

FLACSI have initiated another creative competition which consists of publishing a video on Instagram to show that we stand in solidarity with Refugees and welcome them! Videos should be published with the hashtags #SOYH #SOMOSHERMANOS #FLACSI (or your network, e.g. JECSE, JCAP, JSN, JESAMED, JEA), before June 9th.

ALL Jesuit schools are welcome to participate!

Let us spread the message that we welcome refugees and continue to foster a culture of openness and hospitality towards everyone, particularly those who have been displaced.

See more details on how to participate here

World Refugee Day Awarness

This story has been republished from JRS. To read the complete story please click here.