UN 'deeply distressed' by Central African Republic 'humanitarian catastrophe'

BANGUI, Central African Republic, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres said Wednesday he was "deeply distressed" by the situation in the Central African Republic.

Reporting from the capital city of Bangui, Guterres said he has "witnessed ... a humanitarian catastrophe of unspeakable proportions." Because of the continuing and "Massive ethno-religious cleansing," he emphasized, "It is imperative to re-establish security, law and order. For the people of the Central African Republic, safety and security for all is the most urgent priority."

Security can be increased by the international community, Guterres championed, coming together "for a significant and immediate increase of the forces and police on the ground."

"The Central African Republic is falling through the cracks of international attention. This cannot be allowed to happen. The country needs the same focus that is being put on Syria and South Sudan."

The UN reported the latest statistics for CAR's displaced and refugees via Twitter on Tuesday.

CAR has been rocked by violence since the Muslim-backed Séléka group took control of Bangui in March 2013 and removed Christian President François Bozizé. Renewed violence broke out in Bangui on December 5, 2013, leaving 16 children dead and 60 injured.

In January, a UN official briefed the UN Security Council about the "grave" deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in CAR. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has described the situation in CAR as "a crisis of epic proportions."

On January 28, the Security Council voted to authorize the use of force by European Union troops serving as peacekeepers in CAR.

[United Nations]