UNICEF Central African Republic (CAR) Flash Update Date: 9 December 2013 Reporting Period: 9 December 2013 Key

developments:
UNICEFs Executive Director has declared that the situation in CAR is to be considered a Level 3 Corporate Emergency, effective immediately and for the next three months. The security situation in Bangui remains extremely volatile, and sporadic fighting continues to be reported despite the disarmament process which started on 9 December by the French army. UNICEF continues to conduct assessments and provide life-saving interventions to the most affected areas, especially in response to a growing number of displaced people. The number of displaced people in Bangui has almost doubled from initial estimates of 60,000 to close to 110,000 people, now seeking sanctuary in about 30 sites around Bangui. This figure does not include people staying with host families. The situation in Bossangoa has stabilized enough to restart urgent humanitarian interventions in health and WASH. WFP has resumed food distributions to internally displace people. There is an estimated 47,000 displaced people in three sites in Bossangoa. Displacement is also being reported in surrounding areas such as Bouar and Bozoum. President Francois Hollande's office announced on 10 December that two French soldiers were killed in combat in Bangui on 9 December.

UNICEF Response: Health

Bangui: On 8 December, UNICEF distributed fuel, cooking sets and a tent to MSF to support operations at the Community Hospital where many injured people are being treated. Bangui: On 9 December, UNICEF health teams were on the ground to determine the capacity of the cold chain as well as identify areas of weaknesses and level of function of equipment. Bossangoa: On 9 December, one complete and one partial basic health kit was distributed to health partners to strengthen health response to internally displaced people.

CHILD PROTECTION CHILD PROTECTION

Bangui: A Child Friendly Space is in place since the morning of 9 December in the Don Bosco IDP site where an estimated 18,000 people have sought refuge. Close to 2,000 girls and boys, aged from 3 to 16 years old, were registered to participate in activities at the Child Friendly Space on the first day. Gender disaggregated data will be known in next couple of days as social workers are still working on individual files. Bangui: The Child Friendly Space is equipped with four recreational kits, which include volleyballs, basketballs, footballs, nets, as well as toys for younger children. Sports, individual counselling, case management, identification of separated/unaccompanied minors are among key activities organized by social workers from Don Bosco. Bangui: The St Paul IDP site has been provided with a tent and recreational kits in order to provide psychosocial assistance to thousands of children.

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Bangui: The search for separated/unaccompanied minors continues in the airport site, as well as monitoring of grave violations against children. Two UNICEF supported medical doctors, experts in gender based violence (GBV) prevention and response provided technical support to medical personnel and social workers in identification and management of cases of sexual and GBV.

WASH
Bangui: Between 7-8 December, WASH assessments were conducted in eight displacement sites. The biggest concern is the lack of sanitation which could potentially lead to disease outbreaks. Bangui: On 8 December, distribution of WASH items was started at the Saint Paul (approx. 13.200 IDPs) and Notre Dame de Fatima (700 IDPs) sites. Bossangoa: On 8 December, one 20,000 litre bladder was offloaded after delays due to insecurity. The bladder was given to partner ACF and installed at the Libert site and is expected to be operational tomorrow.

Interagency Collaboration
Bossangoa: UNICEF resumed UN agency outreach following the arrival of French Forces on evening of 6 December. Bangui: Two interagency missions were held on 8 December with the participation of UNICEF. An interagency meeting was held in which the following was discussed: Protection: Establishing a "protection crisis working group" with the leads and members of the Protection Cluster and Sub-Clusters. Clusters: All clusters to develop an action plan based on the results of interagency assessments conducted between 7 and 8 December. 100 Day Plan: OCHA has prepared a 100-day plan, but it was prepared before the recent events and must be updated to adjust for a) the humanitarian situation b) action plan for each cluster c) financial needs. Interagency assessment: A small interagency team will be formed to conduct rapid assessments in sites that have yet to be visited.

Funding
As of end of November, UNICEF had only received half of the US $32 million required to cover humanitarian needs for this current year while financial needs have tripled in the course of the year.

For further information, please contact:

Souleymane Diabat Representative Central African Republic sdiabate@unicef.org Judith Lveille Deputy Representative Central African Republic jleveillee@unicef.org Linda Tom Communications Specialist Central African Republic ltom@unicef.org

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