On 26 May 2014, UNHCR launched a verification operation to document the situation of urban refugees and asylum seekers in Bangui. The operation aims to update their figures and attest their needs, in order to better target assistance and work for durable solutions. The operation is carried out with the support of the National Commission for Refugees (CNR), which provides new identification documents to asylum seekers and refugees. The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) also participates in the exercise, as UNHCR’s partner regarding the social aspects of the assistance to the two groups. The latter consists of medical aid, as well as financial assistance to the most vulnerable cases.

The last verification operation took place in 2011 and the ethno-religious conflict in the country hasn’t allowed its repetition until now. More than 4,500 refugees and asylum seekers from 23 countries were documented as living in the CAR’s capital.

The verification operation will end in the middle of June.