Attachments
As of 30 September 2024, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in CAR is estimated at 453,533 individuals, including 75,725 people living in the IDP sites (17%), and 379,808 people living with host families (83%).
In collaboration with the CNR and the humanitarian partners, UNHCR is providing life-saving assistance such as protection, shelter, health and education to 14,683 Sudanese refugees in Korsi, a government-identified neighbourhood in the town of Birao (Vakaga).
UNHCR, together with the government and partners, is also assisting IDPs and other refugees, such as Chadians and South Sudanese, while supporting the return of CAR refugees for durable solutions.
Operational context
Since April 2023, CAR has been hosting thousands of Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict, mainly via Am Dafock. UNHCR and the National Commission for Refugees (CNR) are coordinating their reception, registration, border monitoring, and, together with the humanitarian community, are providing essential services such as protection, food, shelter, health care and education in Korsi, a government-identified neighbourhood in the town of Birao, in Vakaga prefecture, 65 km from the border with Sudan.
Some 14,596 Sudanese refugees are in hard-to-reach areas outside the Vakaga and need assistance and protection. In addition, more than 6,500 Central African refugees in Darfur have returned to CAR in adverse circumstances.
As of September 30, 2024, CAR hosts 52,724 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly Sudanese, South Sudanese, Chadian, and Rwandan, 48% of whom are in rural areas, including Vakaga, Ouaka, and Haut Mbomou. With the continued arrival of Sudanese and Chadian refugees since April 2023, due to conflict and intercommunal violence, UNHCR's resources are dwindling in the face of growing needs.
Since 2013, the crises in CAR have caused the displacement of 664,225 Central Africans to neighbouring countries. In addition, as of 30 September 2024, CAR has 453,533 IDPs, of whom 75,725 are living in IDP sites (17%) and 379,808 in host families (83%). However, some areas have been deemed suitable for the promotion of voluntary repatriation, and UNHCR supports the voluntary repatriation of CAR refugees, considering return as a durable solution. A national strategy has been put in place with the government for IDPs and returnees.
Since the start of voluntary repatriation in 2017, UNHCR has supported the government in welcoming the return of 49,114 people, including 15,804 in 2024 (12,426 facilitated returns, mainly from Cameroon and the DRC and 3,378 spontaneously or in adverse circumstances from Sudan and Chad) as of 30 September. The main areas of return are Bangui, Baboua, Baoro, Berbérati, Bouar, Bossemptele, Carnot, Mbaiki and Mongoumba.