HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE ON THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, HEARS PRESENTATION OF REPORT ON GEORGIA, AND HOLDS GENERAL DEBATE ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING

The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, heard the presentation of the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Georgia, and held a general debate on technical assistance and capacity building.

Marie-Therese Keita Bocoum, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, highlighted that in crucial areas, such as transitional justice and peace, steps had been taken in the right direction, but the security situation had taken an alarming turn with dramatic consequences on civilians. The authorities needed to step up efforts against impunity and find out who was responsible for the murder of human rights defenders and teachers. The promulgation of rules and procedures of the Special Criminal Court marked the beginning of trials. The Government planned to initiate national consultations to create a mandated Commission for Truth, Justice, Reparations and Reconciliation. However, the situation of human rights was determined by the armed groups.

Speaking as the concerned country, the Central African Republic stated that it was still concerned about the slow implementation of recommendations, which jeopardized the restoration of the State. It needed to put in place serious programmes to put an end to the crisis. The Government was pleased with the holistic approach proposed by the Independent Expert, which was in favour of reconciliation and against impunity. The international community had the obligation to help the Central African Republic judge those responsible for international human rights violations, including crimes against humanity and war crimes.

In the interactive dialogue, speakers acknowledged that the challenges faced by the Central African Republic were huge and they firmly condemned all acts of violence. They urged all actors to pursue the path of true dialogue and called for the inclusion of women in the peace and reconciliation process. Speakers expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, which affected the civilian population, humanitarian workers and peacekeepers, in a climate of impunity. Speakers welcomed the efforts of the African Union with its Initiative for