China extends humanitarian support amid CAR crisis

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has welcomed a contribution from China to support critical humanitarian assistance for refugees and internally displaced people in the Central African Republic amid one of the world's most protracted humanitarian crises.

In a statement released this week, the UN refugee agency said that the funding, provided through China's Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, will enable the agency to distribute essential household items to about 89,500 refugees and internally displaced people, covering about 17,900 households.

The support is aimed at meeting urgent humanitarian needs while restoring dignity, safety and protection for families uprooted by conflict.

"We are deeply grateful for China's solidarity and generosity," William Chemaly, UNHCR representative in the Central African Republic, said. "This partnership will not only bring a sense of normalcy and stability for displaced families living in difficult conditions, but also strengthen their resilience, foster hope, and enable them to focus on recovery and longer-term solutions."

Chinese Ambassador to the Central African Republic Li Qinfeng said the assistance underscores China's longstanding commitment to Africa's peace and development efforts.

"As African nations pursue peace and development while facing challenges and crises, China has consistently been a trusted friend and partner," Li said. "This assistance reflects China's commitment to international humanitarian responsibilities and its principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith in China-Africa cooperation."

He added that the international community shares a common destiny and that global challenges can only be effectively addressed through solidarity and cooperation.

The Central African Republic currently hosts more than 63,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad, in addition to more than 427,000 internally displaced people, according to UNHCR.

Many displaced families arrive in remote, overcrowded and under-resourced areas without even the most basic necessities, leaving them exposed to disease, malnutrition and heightened protection risks.

With China's support, UNHCR said it will provide life-saving items including blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, plastic sheeting, solar lamps and hygiene kits, offering immediate relief while laying the groundwork for longer-term recovery and stability.