24 October – The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) is stepping up assistance to displaced people in the Central African Republic as inter-communal clashes continue in parts of the country.

UNHCR says it has already distributed tents, sleeping mats, plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, blankets and clothes to thousands of people displaced by the violence.

However, it points out that a recent assessment in the sites where the displaced people are sheltering, indicates that the needs are still massive.

According to UNHCR, more than 710,000 people have been uprooted within the country since the crisis started a year ago, including over 200,000 people displaced in the capital, Bangui alone.

The agency says many Christians have sought refuge in schools, churches and at the airport, while an estimated 35,000 Muslims are mainly living with host families.

There are also 40,000 displaced people in Bossangoa, which is 300 kilometres north of Bangui.

Source: UN Radio story (listen/download)