Central African Republic

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in the Central African Republic)

The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a population of about 5 million people. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the country has been shaped by unstable governments and military conflicts, which have led to a weak economy and widespread poverty despite its rich natural ressources. Most recently, the Central African Republic has been affected by escalating violence following a military coup in 2013.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it in the Central African Republic since 1992.

Children are at risk

Around 44% of the total population in the Central African Republic is between the ages of 0 and 14. Children are suffering the most from the ongoing violent conflicts, as their education remains inadequate and their future unsure. Due to the conflict, an estimated 738,000 people have been internally displaced - half of them are children. Children are especially vulnerable and at a great risk of being exploited, abducted, threatened or forced to join armed forces and groups.
80%
Of people suffer from poverty

Widespread poverty

The University of Oxford estimates that around 80% of the population in the Central African Republic lives in poverty and approximately 55% suffer from severe poverty. That means that many people live on less than 1.90 USD a day.They struggle to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation. Additionally, only 3.7% of people have access to electricity, this is one of the lowest rates in the world.

370,000
Children have been internally displaced

Ongoing Violence

Because of the continuing violence and general insecurity in the Central African Republic, 370,000 children have been internally displaced in recent years. It is the highest level of child displacement in the country since 2014. Many children have been separated from their families. UNICEF warns of the risks associated with this disruption of their normal lives: exposure to sexual and physical violence, recruitment by armed forces and increasing rates of malnutrition.

80,000
Children under 5 are at risk of severe malnutrition

Malnutrition

Because of violence and insecurity many people have to leave their homes.This causes food prices to rise and makes it hard to deliver humanitarian aid. Many districts in the Central African Republic do not have the means to respond to children’s acute needs. Around 40% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Malnutrition rates are rising, especially among displaced populations, who lack access to essential healthcare and nutrition systems.

Together we can make a difference for children in Central African Republic

90
Families
Can stay together
580
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
490
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
190
Children
Grow up in our care
60
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
2,150
Emergency services
Were possible
SOS Children’s Villages offers children the necessary care and support they need to recover their childhood. The wounds of a difficult childhood are healed by the hope of a better life. (SOS Children’s Villages in the Central African Repbulic).

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives