By By Godfrey Olukya 17-2-2014
The Emergency Relief Coordinator and UN Under-Secretary-General for
Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, is scheduled to visit the Central
African Republic from 18 to 20 February, Africa press has reported.
Amos will be accompanied by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Dr.
Michel Sidibe, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs,
Dr. Aicha L. Abdullahi, and Assistant Secretary-General of the UN
Department of Safety and Security, Ms. Mbaranga Gasarabwe.
The Central African Republic remains in the midst of a full-blown
humanitarian crisis with more than 700,000 people displaced across the
country, including over 288,000 in the capital Bangui alone, and
86,000 refugees in neighbouring countries. Some 2.6 million people
need immediate humanitarian assistance, while reports of terrible
atrocities and attacks against civilians and aid workers continue.
Ms. Amos wants to take stock of the grave humanitarian crisis in the
Central African Republic, which has been deteriorating since early
December, and to understand the challenges faced by humanitarian
partners. Her programme is expected to include field visits and
meetings with senior Government officials, UN representatives,
international NGOs, donors, religious leaders and affected
communities.
On 20 February, Ms. Amos is scheduled to hold a press conference in
Bangui at the conclusion of her mission.
END