The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) [official website] has warned [BBC News report] militant groups in the Central African Republic (CAR) to leave the schools they are currently occupying or face forceful eviction by UN troops. According to the UN, 10,000 children have been unable to attend schools this year because militants have occupied school grounds. One-third of all schools have been damaged by bullet-holes and fire and have been looted or occupied by militants. Currently, more than 12,000 UN peacekeepers have been deployed in the country. Although some children across the country returned to schools last week, insecure conditions in areas outside the capital city of Bangui disrupted the beginning of school year. MINUSCA warned all militant groups not to hinder educational activities or come within 1,650 feet of schools.

Violence has persisted in the CAR since the predominately Muslim-based Seleka rebels ousted former president François Bozize [BBC profile] in March 2013. More than 400,000 people remain displaced due to the violent overthrow, with over a half million more people seeking refuge in other countries. In July UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein [official profile] warned of the deteriorating human rights situation [JURIST report] in the CAR. Last month UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon [official website] stated there have been 269 verified human rights violations [JURIST report] in the CAR. In February MINUSCA called for the CAR to address numerous human rights violations [JURIST report] stemming from an outbreak of violence in Bangui last year. In November UNICEF [official website] called for aid to approximately 1.2 million children distressed by conflict [JURIST report] in the CAR.