UN Human Rights Council 45: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Central African Republic

Thank you, Madam President,

The UK welcomes the appointment of the new Independent Expert and thanks him for this report on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The UK is deeply concerned by reports of human rights abuses against civilians including killings; conflict-related sexual violence; attacks against humanitarian personnel, hospitals and peacekeepers; denial of humanitarian assistance; and recruitment of children into armed groups.

It is unacceptable that those armed groups who are signatories to the Peace Agreement continue to be the main perpetrators of this violence. The UK stands ready to agree appropriate measures, including UN sanctions in line with Article 35 of the Peace Agreement, in response to these human rights abuses. We urge all actors to implement fully the terms of the Peace Agreement, and for all armed groups to cease immediately their attacks on civilians and on humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel. This is especially important in light of the new, complex challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ahead of elections this year. Madam President,

We would welcome the Independent Expert’s views on further steps the CAR Government and the international community can take to strengthen peaceful and inclusive dialogue with all Central Africans, to ensure that the Peace Agreement is protected in the run up to the election period.

Thank you.