The number of Central African Republic (C.A.R.) citizens who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries due to conflict has hit a record high, the United Nations refugee agency UNCHR said.
The number of Central African refugees who have fled their country now stands at 513,676, the highest figure recorded since the start of the crisis in 2013.
In addition, around 600,000 more have been displaced inside their country, meaning that the total number of those displaced from their homes has reached the highest level ever, at over 1.1 million.
While the figures continue to skyrocket, the UN laments that funding is among the lowest of any refugee situation anywhere in the world.
The refugee agency had appealed for US$209 million in early 2017 to assist the internally displaced inside CAR and meet the needs of Central African refugees in the region. Nevertheless, a mere 9 per cent has so far been received.
Fierce clashes that erupted in the country in May 2017 between armed groups have caused increasing suffering, deaths and destruction of property.
According to the UNHCR, nearly one in every two Central Africans needs humanitarian assistance to survive. It says that continued violence would hinder any progress towards the country’s recovery.
C.A.R. had been experiencing a gradual transition towards peace and stability since late last year, when both refugees and internally displaced people started to go back home. This has changed now, as insecurity has plagued areas in the northwest, central, eastern and south eastern regions.
The refugee agency said the situation has creating difficulties for humanitarian workers to fully assess the extent of damage and displacement.
