The security situation in the Northern part of the Central African Republic (CAR) is not improving and the refugees who arrived in Chad in 2003 (approximately 32,000 people) have not been able to return.
On the contrary, the summer of 2005 saw a deterioration of the situation and an additional 11,000 people sought refuge in Chad. It is uncertain when they will be able to return to CAR and it is likely that many will decide to integrate in Chad.
The refugees who arrived in 2003 soon started to develop coping mechanisms. However, the 2005 Joint Assessment Mission, (JAM), in October 2005, concluded that refugees had not yet become fully self sufficient and stressed the importance of continued international assistance.
Vulnerable groups, including children under 5 and pregnant and nursing mothers, still require special attention; particularly those who arrived in 2005. The JAM mission also highlighted the scope for a gradual phase out of relief assistance. The implementation strategy of this Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation, (PRRO), foresees a complete phase out of food assistance to CAR refugees by 2007.
WFP will provide the refugees with food while they rebuild their lives through income generating activities and agricultural schemes implemented by partners; it also intends to improve food security and health of the most vulnerable through selective feeding programmes, which will serve also as a safety net during the phase-out period.
The PRRO forms an integrated part of the UN strategy for assistance to CAR refugees, outlined in the 2006 Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) document. The WFP strategy is in line with Government efforts aimed at making land available to refugees for farming to support their self reliance.
The provision of funding for partners, particularly the Food and Agriculture Organization, (FAO), will be essential for the success of the self reliance strategy.
By providing a general food ration to the refugee population to save lives and enable them to protect their livelihoods and create assets; and providing support to improve nutrition and health status of children and nursing mothers, the PRRO covers three of WFP’s Strategic Objectives, (one, two and three).
This operation has been extended until 31 December 2009 as per Budget revision 08.
