PHM-Exch> THE DETERIORATION OF THE HEALTH SITUATION WITHIN THE CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC

[Claudio Schuftan]

*
                          May 2013*

*PHM SOLIDARITY STATEMENT: *

*THE DETERIORATION OF THE HEALTH SITUATION WITHIN THE CENTRAL AFRICA
REPUBLIC*

The People's Health Movement <http://www.phmovement.org/> (PHM), a global
network bringing together grassroots activists, civil society
organizations, academics and health workers from around the world, is
deeply concerned at the deterioration of the health situation within the
Central Africa Republic (CAR). The conflict between rebels and government
has resulted in the breakdown of law and order, resulting in a health
crisis characterised by looting and destruction of health facilities and
food stocks by rebels and armed bandits and treatment interruptions with
the potential increased risk of diseases to people of CAR. PHM stands in
solidarity with the 4.6million people of CAR who are affected and calls on
all civil society organisations to stand in solidarity and extend support
to the citizens of CAR wherever possible. We call on all parties involved
in the conflict (rebels, government forces and armed bandits) for an
immediate end to the conflict.

“The breakdown of law and order has led to widespread violations of human
rights including targeted killings, rapes, torture, arbitrary arrests and
the recruitment of child soldiers. Since December, more than 173,000 people
have been internally displaced and 49,000 have sought asylum in
neighbouring countries. Even before this crisis, 3.2 million people in the
CAR had no access to healthcare and some 80,000 people were at risk of
severe food insecurity; these figures will increase. Almost all public
schools are closed.”

http://www.hdptcar.net/documents/emergency-relief-coordinator%E2%80%99s-key-messages-central-african-republic-6-may-2013-%C2%B7-issue

For these reasons PHM:

·       Condemns the attacks on medical facilities (looting and destruction
of health facilities) and all perpetrators involved in these lootings

·       Expresses solidarity with all the people of CAR and health
activists who are trying to perform their duties in the most difficult
conditions and render medical services to the civilian population in need.

We therefore:

·       Urge all civil society organisations working within CAR and
internationally to give support in their different capacities to alleviate
the health crisis

·       Call on the CAR authorities and all parties to respect the Geneva
Convention and other relevant instruments of international law regarding
the protection of medical personnel and facilities and access to health
services for the population.

·       We also urge the AU , UN and other relevant National and
international  actors to take immediate steps to ensure that all parties
find an amicable solution to this conflict and respect unconditionally the
relevant instruments of international law regarding the protection of
medical personnel , health facilities  and access to health services by the
population.

Our thoughts are with people of Central Africa Republic and civil society
working tirelessly to improve the situation.  We stand in solidarity,
recognize and appreciate all efforts made by organisations (local and
international) and local health justice activists who often work with
little institutional or infrastructural support to highlight the crisis and
efforts to improve it.

PHM also is concerned about and calls for an immediate end to conflict in
many African countries such as Eastern Congo and Mali which has resulted in
the deterioration of the health situation and human rights violations.



Rudolf Abugnaba-Abanga (Ghana- West and Central Africa), David Sanders
(South Africa- East and Southern Africa), Linda Mashingaidze

On Behalf of the People’s Health Movement Global Steering Council
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