The Humanitarian Coordinator in the Central African Republic, Ms. Denise Brown, is deeply shocked and dismayed by the violent death of a humanitarian worker, who was killed yesterday while on duty in the northwest of the Central African Republic.
The team from the international NGO Danish Refugee Council was undertaking humanitarian activities in the area when one of its vehicles hit an explosive device in the Ouham-Pendé Prefecture. A humanitarian worker was killed. Three other humanitarians reported minor injuries, are traumatised and were evacuated to Paoua for medical care.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of our fellow humanitarian colleague, and I extend my deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues at the Danish Refugee Council”, declared Ms Brown.
Between January and August 2021, 27 incidents involving explosive ordnance have claimed the lives of at least 14 civilians and injured 21 civilians and two United Nations peacekeepers in the west of the country. The presence or suspected presence of explosive devices prevents humanitarian workers from assisting communities who have been severely affected by the conflict.
“I strongly condemn the use of explosive devices and call on all parties to take the necessary steps to spare the civilian population and to respect humanitarian workers”, stated the Humanitarian Coordinator.
2.8 million people need assistance and protection. Between January and August 2021, two humanitarian workers were killed and 19 injured in the Central African Republic. Over the same period, 314 incidents against humanitarian personnel or property were registered. Despite the dangerous operating environment, humanitarian actors have assisted over 1.4 million people in dire need.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
