UN Human Rights Council 42: Interactive Dialogue on Central African Republic

The United Kingdom thanks the Independent Expert for her report on the Central African Republic (CAR) and for her work over the last six years.

The UK notes the reported decline in human rights violations and abuses in the first half of 2019 but remains concerned that, despite being signatories to the Peace Agreement, armed groups continue to commit the majority of human rights abuses against the population. We strongly echo the Independent Expert’s views that the Peace process will only succeed if all parties implement the peace agreement in good faith. We call on all armed groups to cease their violence and abide by the peace agreement.

The UK welcomes the establishment of the main transitional justice institutions and the launch of the consultations of the Truth, Justice, Compensation and Reconciliation Commission. There can be no peace without justice. We urge the CAR Government, alongside international partners, to continue to prioritise their efforts to strengthen the judicial system in order to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses and violations to account.

Mr President

We would welcome the Independent Expert’s views on what steps the Government of CAR can take to ensure that all Central Africans are able to participate in, and take ownership of, the peace agreement. A fully inclusive process must include refugees, civil society, women, youth and all national actors.