Security and social conditions are not yet conducive to support large-scale returns to CAR. There is a strong hope that the current comprehensive peace process in CAR will be successful and returns to CAR could be feasible in 2016. For the time being, resettlement continues to be the most tangible durable solution available for CAR refugees. Socio-economic integration through the implementation of self-sufficiency and livelihood programmes will continue. In 2014, some 419 CAR individual cases were submitted for resettlement of which 142 individuals departed. The main problems faced by the resettlement process are late withdrawals and frequent no-shows of the candidates as well as the complex family compositions.
Malaria remains the first cause of child mortality due to frequent interruptions of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and failures to comply with the national treatment protocol. Refugees in host villages face difficulties to access health centres. The mortality rate stands at 15%, reaching the threshold limit. The irregular supply of USSP inputs in the camps has greatly constrained HIV/AIDS and reproductive health services. Reproductive and HIV health services in host villages are almost non-existent. The only surgeon available was recruited by the Antiman Hospital with the support of a partner. The non-renewal of the surgeon’s contract in June 2015 will have a negative impact on obstetrical emergencies, especially in isolated periods. At the end of 2014, water, hygiene, and sanitation standards were at acceptable level.
The enrolment rate is 61% for primary education in 2014. Secondary level schools are located far from the camps. Few refugee students from the most recent influx, including girls, are enrolled in secondary schools. Parents contributed to the functioning of primary schools through parent associations together with the Government (19 teachers assigned and paid), UNHCR, and partners. The parent’s contribution of $2 per pupil, per year, to the parents association has not been paid by all due to the precarious economic situation of some parents and the frontal opposition of others. Parents with specific needs receive transfers conditioned to the school enrolment of their children. Very few opportunities exist for tertiary level. All refugees have access to justice. The host population has warmly received refugees in the villages and shared their resources with them. There is a need for more initiatives and quick impact projects to the benefit of both populations to promote peaceful coexistence.
The overall objective of Chad’s livelihood strategy is to prevent refugees from a dependence on humanitarian assistance, and to assist them to move out of extreme poverty over a two-year period through a progressive model. Refugees have been categorized into four wealth groups and will receive adequate support to implement market-oriented livelihoods activities according to their skills, capacities, experience and motivation as identified in the baseline survey. After two years, it is expected that members of any group will at least change their wealth status for the best; in agreement between UNHCR, the government and WFP, food rations will be discontinued in two years for the “better off” group. All vulnerable groups, including children under five years, and lactating and pregnant women will be identified and assisted in a timely and appropriate manner.
The target for 2016 is the delivery of 100 per cent of birth certificates. In host villages, 4,509 registered children will benefit from regular birth registration procedures and 5,000 for late registration procedures. UNHCR will continue registration during 2016, including collection of biometric data.