“Life is dangerous for women in this camp,” said Mariam Zakaria, 32, who recently fled brutal violence and conflict in Sudan, returning to the Central African Republic, her home country. “If you want to work, someone might not hire you unless they can take advantage of you. And if a woman doesn't accept, her children will get nothing to eat.”

The Korsi refugee camp in Birao, in northern Central African Republic, is home to around 18,000 refugees and returnees. Many have escaped rape, coercion and traumatic abuse, their journeys long and fraught with danger. But upon arrival, they often discover they are not safe at their destination either. 

Despite the treacherous conditions, Ms. Zakaria told UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, “I have to go out looking for work. I am a widow and have seven children – sometimes they go without food for two days.” 

The crisis in Sudan has led over 3 million people to flee across borders, tens of thousands of them to the Central African Republic. Yet decades of conflict, insecurity, violence and a lack of essential services have also caused one fifth of the Central African Republic’s population to be displaced, according to UN estimates.

In 2025, UNFPA needs US$16.5 million for its programmes in the Central African Republic, especially for the most underserved communities. 

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