[Photo: UNICEF-Bangui]

Children of the Central African Republic (CAR) are facing the highest levels of crisis and deprivation worldwide, according to UNICEF. Ten years of conflict have left all three million children in CAR at risk, with half lacking access to health services, only 37% attending school regularly, and nearly 40% suffering from chronic malnutrition.

UNICEF Representative Meritxell Relaño Arana remarked that the past decade has been tumultuous for children, marked by the escalation of conflict in 2013/2014. Many of the gains the country had achieved were lost during this period.

“With regards to the Education system, at least 25% of children are not going to school and have never been. There is still a need to provide schools, resources, teachers and materials,” she said.

Arana highlighted the inadequate number of health centres in the country, resulting in many children lacking access to healthcare.

Additionally, Arana mentioned that there are also instances of violence, particularly sexual violence against children, highlighting significant violations of their human rights.

According to Arana, due to numerous global crises in the past decade, the Central African Republic (CAR) has not received significant media attention, resulting in lower visibility and reduced donor support compared to other major crises.

Despite these dire circumstances, the government’s new National Development Plan offers an opportunity for positive change.

“The National Development Plan can be an opportunity for all donors and partners to gather around and support the country to establish basic social services,” she said.

Arana expressed hope, highlighting the country is currently in a phase of stability, with the government having regained control of the territory. Social services are beginning to be deployed, and there is a strong government commitment to invest in human capital and infrastructure to foster economic development.

“The humanitarian situation is there but we are moving towards developments,” she said.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and UNICEF Representative to CAR, Meritxell Relaño Arana, here.