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CAR: WFP UNHAS

Project completed

In view of large humanitarian needs in the country, humanitarian air transport service for aid community is crucial; WFP CAR is the only viable transport option available to reach remote areas safely, besides complementary air services provided by MSF and ICRC, mainly for their own staff. UNHAS facilitates and secures the majority of travel of SDC staff and partners, to enable them to monitor contributions and implement projects. To maintain this service, UNHAS requires the support of technical and financial partners.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Central African Republic
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Protection, access & security
15.05.2017 - 31.12.2018
 CHF  1’670’000
The project in brief
Background

More than four years of conflict and subsequent displacement have pushed millions into poverty. Nearly one third the population face hunger and more than 800’000 are still displaced internally or in neighboring countries. More than 2.2 million of the population of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance.

With limited infrastructure and a challenging security situation, road transport is impracticable, time consuming, dangerous and limits access to beneficiaries. UNHAS plays a crucial role in the overall humanitarian effort by providing access to fragile populations. Aid workers face dangers related to the current security challenges as well as suffer different ailments while providing life-saving support to the affected population. The service also remains a vital means for medical and security evacuations.
Objectives To provide a safe, reliable and cost efficient air transport service to the humanitarian community and development agencies (138 NGOs, UN agencies, and donor organizations) providing assistance to 2.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Target groups

138 user organizations: UN agencies, NGOs (international and national), donors (of which SDC).

UNHAS targets 30’000 passenger per segments (19’200 passengers transported)
Medium-term outcomes
  • Access for humanitarian workers to people affected by violence and disasters
  • Transportation of light cargo such as medical supplies, high energy foods and ICT equipment
  • Timely medical and security evacuations for the humanitarian and development community
Results

Expected results:  

  • Humanitarian workers / SDC reach safely to remote locations that are cut off by insecurity and poor road conditions
  • Relief items and cargos are delivered to remote areas
  • Medical and security evacuations


Results from previous phases:  

UNHAS, which has been present in the country since 2006, has assumed an even more critical role to the Level 3 humanitarian response than ever as it remains the only service that provides equal access to staff of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations (UN) agencies, donor organizations and diplomatic missions. 104 user organizations rely on UNHAS to implement and monitor humanitarian activities in CAR.

For the period January-October 2016, the monthly average passenger transported increase  to 1’800 from 1’400 recorded in 2015. Also UNHAS has transported a monthly averge of 33.2 mt of cargo in 2016, against 30mt planned.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Humanitarian aid
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • World Food Programme


Coordination with other projects and actors This operation benefits all SDC partners and the whole aid community operation in the country.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’670’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’670’000
Project phases

Phase 2 15.05.2017 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)

  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Material relief assistance and services
    Aid Type Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F09312

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Last update 26.09.2023