Multi-disciplinary technical mission to the Central African Republic (CAR)

Terms of Reference

Background:

1. In its meeting of July 2006, the IASC Working Group agreed to look at ways to draw attention to and increase support to the humanitarian situation in CAR through an interagency mission of interested agencies. The IASC Working Group requested OCHA to take the lead in organising this mission.

2. More than three years after the end of hostilities, the CAR continues to exhibit all the characteristics of a complex emergency, the impact of which on the Central African population has never been addressed. Last year's elections did not yield the expected peace and stability. Instead, the situation deteriorated sharply in the first half of 2006. As administrative and security authorities remained literally absent of vast areas of the territory, armed rebellion reformed, banditry and insecurity spread throughout the country, and systematic human rights violations were reported. The situation was further compounded by the spill-over of the crises in Chad and Darfur and the involvement of external actors in northern CAR. The devastation of lives and villages in the North of the country led to the displacement of 80,000 Central Africans in CAR and into neighbouring Chad and Cameroon. State authorities were unable to tackle these challenges. With no access to basic social services, the level of vulnerability of the population continued to rise. Limited access as well as lack of funds and implementing partners made the humanitarian response difficult. ICRC and MSF were the only humanitarian organisations with an established presence in the north of CAR. As a UN multi-disciplinary team led by the RC / HC noted while travelling across the most affected northern regions (10-14 July), the area is in "a desperate humanitarian situation" which requires the Government, the UN and its partners "to immediately increase supply of standard emergency relief."

3. All the three CAPs the UN launched between 2003 and 2005 were less than 40% funded. As of 18 September, the CAP 2006 (USD 36 million) is 49% funded. This good mid-year funding must be put in perspective though: In 2006, CERF is the biggest donor in CAR (USD 4.5 million); UN un-earmarked funds come second. Besides, some sectors considered life-saving, are experiencing serious funding shortfalls (e.g. Water and sanitation which is only 37% funded).

4. Unless the international community increases immediately and significantly its assistance to the country, the overall situation in CAR will likely continue to deteriorate. This would entail serious humanitarian consequences for a population whose coping mechanisms are already under extreme pressure. Inaction in CAR would also undermine all efforts to restore stability in the sub-region.

Objectives of the mission

1. Provide a rare opportunity for a collective focus and attention on the level, scale and trends of human vulnerability in the Central African Republic and take stock of the efforts already accomplished with limited resources, a small number of actors and a volatile humanitarian space. In that regard, particular attention should be paid to the situation of IDPs.

2. Take stock of linkages between humanitarian action and relief/development activities in CAR and analyze coordination between mid/long term rehabilitation strategies and short emergency measures.

3. Draw attention to slow-coming funding and low capacity on the one hand, and immediate needs to preserve a vital lifeline ("plancher vital") to an estimated 1.1 million Central Africans on the other hand.

Proposed dates and participation

1. The proposed dates for the mission are 4-11 November.

2. The mission will be held at technical level and led by UNICEF. FAO (also representing UNDGO) and UNHCR will complete UN agencies' participation. ICVA (on behalf of the NGO community) and donors will also participate. OCHA HQ will be represented by CRD and IDD.

3. The mission will visit the most severely affected northern regions of Ouham and Ouham Pende, as well as the area of Gor󃂩 (Chad) where 50, 000 Central Africans have sought refuge. The mission will hold discussions with the UN Country Team and representatives of the UN Peace-Building Office (BONUCA), the Government, donors and NGOs present in Bangui, as well as with the ICRC and the Red Cross.

Expected outcomes

At the end of the mission, participants are expected to:

1. Share a common understanding of the scope and nature of humanitarian needs in CAR.

2. Support the implementation of the IASC Country Team's strategy and priorities for 2007 through increased advocacy with relevant organisations and donors to address the needs of vulnerable groups, in particular IDPs. Participants will determine potential for expanding and extending humanitarian presence and resources to the affected locations, in particular the northern provinces of the Ouham and Ouham-Pend󃂩.

3. Recommend/propose best ways to improve linkages between the humanitarian response and development activities and advise on required partnerships for longer term responses.