A young girl smiling in Central African Republic.
Where we work

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic has struggled with violence and political instability for decades, leaving 2.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including 1.3 million children.

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Ongoing conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) has left over a million children in danger. 

Years of armed conflict and ongoing political insecurity have had considerable consequences for Central Africans, with children bearing the brunt.

The presence of armed groups and the mass forced displacement of families due to increased violence and insecurity continue to place vulnerable children at risk of separation from their families, violence, sexual abuse, or recruitment into armed groups.

Increasing attacks on humanitarian workers, including kidnappings, also make the CAR one of the most dangerous contexts to deliver humanitarian aid. Despite the challenges, War Child is committed to delivering life-saving programmes to support the most vulnerable children and their families.  

Scale of the challenge

  • 1.3 M

    Children in need of humanitarian assistance.

  • 488 K

    People, half of whom are children, internally displaced due to increased violence and insecurity.

  • 40 %

    Children under the age of five suffering from chronic malnutrition.

Our work in the Central African Republic 

Since 2014, War Child has been working with partners in the CAR to provide life-saving services to conflict-affected children and their families to enhance their livelihoods, access to protection, and education. This has also included facilitating the release of more than 15,500 children from armed forces and groups, 30% have been reintegrated into their communities. Currently, War Child’s programmes are in Ouham Pende and Bamingui Bangoran.

Arlette standing in front of her home.
Frederique, like many thousands of children across the CAR, has experienced appalling violence as a result of the ongoing conflict. Now attending one of War Child’s child-friendly spaces he can be a child again. Credit: Arete.
Before joining War Child, I felt sad every day. I come to play every week with the others and study my lessons well in school. I even received a good grade this term! I feel happier than before.
Arlette, Central African Republic.

War Child programmes include: 

  • Supporting the identification and reintegration of children recruited by armed groups. In 2023, 305 children received mental health and psychosocial support, education, vocational training, and participated in community reintegration activities with their families and communities, helping them reclaim a sense of hope, security, and stability.
  • Running child-friendly safe spaces where children are sheltered from harm and receive the care and support they need to overcome the traumas they have experienced. In 2023, 10,571 children received mental health and psychosocial support, including 245 children who had been impacted by gender-based violence.
  • Working with local partners and communities to deliver awareness sessions. In 2023, 11,387 people were reached through sessions on child protection, sexual and gender-based violence, and other child-related issues, including the avoidance of explosive devices.
  • Promoting peacebuilding through youth-led advocacy and engagement with local authorities and community leaders.

Project focus – War Child Football Club 

War Child Football Club uses the power of sport to help children gain the social and emotional skills needed to improve their wellbeing and aid in their recovery from the effects of conflict. Weekly sessions, delivered by locally recruited trained coaches, focus on identity and self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive social skills, conflict resolution, and future plans.

Children taking part in War Child FC in CAR.
Photo taken by Daniel Shema
We won’t stop until every child living through conflict is safe from harm. 

But we can’t do it without you. 

Donate to War Child today and help us be there for children in CAR and other conflict zones around the world.

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