CAR Joint Response 3 Since the end of 2012, after 3 years of instability, the size and complexity of the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic is unprecedented. The political-military crisis has severely damaged social texture and inter-communal tensions have reached the highest level in history. By the end of 2015, the situation was further aggravated with the election violence that has touched several regions in the country, deteriorating in many cases the progress made by the humanitarian community that year. Still, expected election violence was limited through the first months of 2016, probably thanks to the visit of Pope Francis in December 2015, who strongly advocated for peaceful co-existence between the different groups and religions. This event had a deep impact on the population that has proved to be quite resilient under the given circumstances. With the new President recently inaugurated (March 2016), forming a new parliament, the Central African Republic seems to move towards some stability. Now, in 2017, with a new democratic chosen government in place, there are great hopes to stabilize the country. The 5-year plan for the country (Plan de Relèvement et de Consolidation de la Paix – RCPCA 2017 - 2021), launched at the great donor conference in Brussels in November 2016, focusses on the improvement of living conditions of the population in general and build the capacities of the government to do so. It provides a framework in 3 pillars: First pillar : Support peace, security and reconciliation; Second pillar : Renew the social contract between the state and the population; Third pillar : Promote economic recovery and boost productive sectors A total required amount of Euro 2.847 million is estimated to reach the planned results. At the same time, recent violent events remind of the ongoing crisis. That is why a long-term humanitarian strategy is developed under the current HRP, with identified priorities and complementary to the 5 year plan without duplicating the efforts of the government and in the spirit of the Grand Bargain. This requires a new partnership between humanitarian and development actors, focusing on prevention and reinforcement of existing capacities Objectives of the HRP 2017 – 2019 are: 1. Save lives People affected by shocks resulting from conflict, natural disaster or health hazard, should receive assistance through a multi-sectoral approach, building their resilience while putting early warning systems in place 2. Respect fundamental human rights Humanitarian assistance contributes to the protection of the population affected by intercommunal violence and/or armed groups. Knowledge and awareness of cultural habits and sensitivities is necessary to address needs well (respecting ‘Do no Harm’ approach). Most vulnerable groups like women and children need to be specifically addressed. Prevention and sensitization on presumed risks and consequences of conflict need to be at the centre of all humanitarian action 3. Preserve dignity Affected population at risk has access to basic social services as health, wash, food security and education; in a way that suits their interest and need. Livelihood mechanisms are restored as far as possible, respecting age and sex, while awaiting the results of the development projects initiated in the country. 4. Protection is a crosscutting issue through all sectors, while promoting unhindered access to all vulnerable affected people. Refugees and extremely vulnerable people in need of protection services are prioritised. The general target group for this humanitarian response program consists of people who are (severely) affected by the crisis in the Central African Republic, be it mainly IDPs, host families and communities; returnees and resident population. Also minorities / marginalized communities such as the Peulh (Mboro) and Muslims. Within these groups, special attention will be given to vulnerable groups to ensure a specific response to their needs. The project aims to support GBV survivors and girls and women at risk of GBV; unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) & children associated with armed forces and groups (CAAFAG); other vulnerable children (OVC) that are most vulnerable to abuse, violence and exploitation; elderly (60+ without family support); people living with disabilities; female headed households; pregnant woman and young mothers; young adults (boys and girls) at risk of recruitment with armed forces and/or without much economic perspective. Data of the various vulnerable groups will be captured and documented, disaggregated by sex and age, to learn from, to support quality enhancement of our program and to share this with the relevant clusters.