Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) faces a complex humanitarian crisis driven by insecurity and population displacements. It continues to receive refugees and asylum seekers, fleeing violence in neighbouring countries and CAR refugees returning home, adding pressure on limited resources. Over 1.4 million Central Africans – nearly one-third of the population – are forcibly displaced, including more than 469,000 internally displaced people, over 711,000 refugees abroad, and an estimated 1.1 million persons at risk of statelessness. The country hosts 53,394 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad (as at end of 2024).

Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, the Central African Republic has welcomed over 25,000 Sudanese refugees and 6,360 Central African returnees. Additionally, more than 37,000 Chadian and Central African returnees have also arrived at the border with Chad, in the northeast part of the country, fleeing intercommunal violence. Meanwhile, improved security in the southwest has enabled almost 53,000 voluntary refugee returns since 2017.

UNHCR collaborates with the Government and partners to address protection risks, prevent statelessness, provide assistance and promote durable solutions for forcibly displaced populations. UNHCR supports the government in implementing the national roadmap under the Global Compact on Refugees. The CAR Support Solutions Platform, launched in October 2023, aims to support sustainable returns and promote long-term stability in return areas.

UNHCR has maintained a presence in the Central African Republic for over 38 years.