Mr. Chair, the member asked about children, so I will talk about the schooling of children.
All schools in Bangui have been closed since early December 2013. As soon as security allows it, the safe and permanent return of all teachers and students to schools will be a crucial step on the road to peace and reconciliation. It is urgent for children to get access to a place where they can learn safely. Returning to class gives children a sense of normalcy and stability.
The basic right to education is most at risk during times of crisis. Over the past year, 65% of 176 schools across the country have been looted, according to UNICEF.
UNICEF's appeal for emergency operations in the Central African Republic this year is for $62 million. The current funding shortfall is $52 million.