COUNCIL HOLDS INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

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. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan.

Therese Keita Boucoum, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, highlighted efforts by the Government to restore the rule of law, including the nomination of a strategic committee to register votes. The next months would be very important in view of the ambitious electoral calendar that had been adopted and the Independent Expert welcomed the courageous decision by the Constitutional Court to maintain the right to vote for refugees in neighbouring countries. The situation in Bangui had deteriorated and transition and stabilization efforts were directly threatened by armed groups asking for the Head of Transition and the Government to resign. Tensions spread also inside the country. The deterioration of the security situation called for urgent actions to restore dialogue among communities and prevent an escalation of ethnic or religious violence.

The Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, said that the security situation in the country had deteriorated despite the efforts by the Government and the international community. The Government was willing to work with United Nations agencies as well as other international partners to urgently stop the violations, ensure peace in the county, and preserve the law and order.

In the interactive discussion, speakers acknowledged the slow but gradual improvements in the Central African Republic, and stressed that the deadly clashes in Bangui on 26 and 27 September showed the fragility of the security situation. The Transitional Government had made significant progress in the quest for peace, justice and reconciliation, and speakers welcomed the establishment of the Special Criminal Court with the power to investigate and try serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The United Nations should take all necessary steps to enforce its zero-tolerance policy and improve reporting procedures relating to sexual abuse, including of children, by peacekeepers. The international community should continue to support the country in addressing the significant challenges that remained, including re-establishment of State authority and security throughout the territory, restoring the rule of law and justice, combatting impunity, achieving reconciliation, revising the economy, combatting poverty and assisting the return of displaced persons and refugees.

Speaking were the European Union, Algeria on behalf of the African Group, France, United States, Estonia, China, Australia, Luxembourg, Togo, Gabon, Spain, Algeria, the Netherlands, Egypt, Benin, United Kingdom, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Botswana, Angola, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Croatia, Belgium, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Save the Children, Caritas International, Jubilee Campaign, Human Rights Watch, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, and Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme also spoke.

On 29 September, Aristide Nononsi, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, presented his report and Sudan spoke as the concerned country. A summary of their statements can be found here. The Council held an interactive dialogue with Mr. Nononsi at the beginning of the meeting.

In concluding remarks, Sudan reiterated its full readiness to cooperate with the Independent Expert. Despite all the challenges, Sudan reiterated its full commitment to cooperate with the United Nations mechanisms, and called upon the Council to extend technical assistance and capacity building to Sudan.

Mr. Nononsi, in concluding remarks, said the Government and the international community should implement the recommendations made by the Independent Expert, not only in the form of resources, but also in terms of sharing experience and best practice in the areas of addressing human rights violations in conflict-affected areas, transnational justice and other issues of concern.

In the interactive discussion on Sudan, delegations said that Sudan remained one of the most protracted children’s crises in the world today, with 5.4 million people, including 3.2 million children, targeted for humanitarian assistance; three million children, predominantly girls, out of school; and over half a million children who were severely acutely malnourished and at risk of death. The human rights situation was deteriorating, and mass human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law that might amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity were being committed with impunity in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan. Speakers were concerned about arbitrary detention and the use of torture, grave and wide-spread sexual and gender-based violence, including abductions and mass rape, violence against religious and other minorities, excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, and restrictions on the right to association and assembly. Sudan must urgently recognize and address the deteriorating human rights situation and the widespread impunity of its forces, militias and armed groups in conflict-affected areas. Speakers called upon the Council to strengthen the Special Procedure on Sudan by extending it as a Special Rapporteur with a mandate to monitor and report on violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law throughout Sudan.

Speaking were Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Arab Group, Algeria on behalf of the African Group, the European Union, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Netherlands, Ireland, Qatar, Eritrea, New Zealand, United Nations Children Fund, Djibouti, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, United States, Spain, Ethiopia, Norway, Mali, China, Morocco, Switzerland, Cuba, Bahrain, Australia, Belgium, and Algeria.

Also taking the floor were the following non-governmental organizations: East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Human Rights Watch, Jubilee Campaign, Easter Sudan Women Development Organization, Society Studies Centre, Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace, CIVICUS-World Alliance for Citizen Participation, and the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues.

The Human Rights Council is holding a full day of meetings today. Next, it will hold an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Bahame Nyanduga, followed by the presentation of the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka and an interactive discussion on it.

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan

Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the Group of Arab States, appreciated the work of the Independent Expert and welcomed the cooperation of the Sudanese Government with international human rights mechanisms. The Group shared the Expert’s concern about the armed conflict in Sudan and welcomed Sudan’s efforts to hold a national dialogue and announce a ceasefire. Algeria, speaking on behalf of the African Group, thanked Mr. Nononsi for his work and welcomed Sudan’s constructive engagement with him. The Group praised Sudan’s efforts to bring peace and stability to the country and to promote and protect human rights. European Union was deeply concerned about the current situation in Sudan, and strongly condemned the human rights violations. The European Union also strongly condemned the ongoing attacks against civilians by the Government forces and armed groups in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur. Germany noted that impunity, gender-based violence, and severe restrictions of human rights in Sudan were deeply concerning.

France was concerned about mass human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law that might amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan with full impunity, and was particularly worried about the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary detention and the use of torture. United Kingdom remained deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and the widespread impunity in conflict-affected areas in Sudan, which the Government must address. The cooperation under the agenda item on technical assistance and capacity building would only be meaningful if Sudan acknowledged the gravity of the human rights situation. Kuwait was satisfied by the efforts of Sudan to empower women and to promote their participation in the political process, and noted the increased representation of women in Parliament as a result of the new Law on Quotas. Netherlands said that serious human rights violations had been perpetrated by the Government, militias and armed groups with impunity. The monitoring role of the Independent Expert was crucially important and the Netherlands asked for frequent reports to the Council about the findings and the recommendations issued. Which avenues should be explored to improve the human rights situation in Sudan?

Ireland remained deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Sudan. It was particularly alarmed by the shut-down of several civil society organizations, the closure of newspapers, and the arrest of journalists. Ireland called on the Government to institute an independent judicial public enquiry into the killings of civilians to ensure justice and accountability. Qatar welcomed the cooperation of the Government of Sudan with the Independent Expert. As Mr. Nononsi’s mandate was under the agenda item on technical assistance and capacity building, he should concentrate on that part, as promoting and protecting human rights was the responsibility of the Government. Eritrea said despite many challenges, Sudan had been successful in its national development. It must be acknowledged that the promotion and protection of human rights was achieved in a situation of continuous external threats, interventions and adverse effects of unjust coercive measures imposed on the country. New Zealand was highly appreciative of the report of the Independent Expert, whose work was undoubtedly difficult, but necessary in highlighting the human rights situation in Sudan. New Zealand said the human rights situation in Sudan remained dire across a number of fronts and supported the renewal of the mandate of Mr. Nononsi.

United Nations Children Fund said that Sudan remained one of the most protracted children’s crises in the world today with 5.4 million people, including 3.2 million children targeted for humanitarian assistance. Over three million children in Sudan, predominantly girls, were out of school, and over half a million were severely acutely malnourished and at risk of death. Djibouti applauded Sudan’s sustained engagement with the Independent Expert and invited it to continue its human rights efforts. United Arab Emirates said that despite limited resources, Sudan had provided the necessary conditions to enable the Independent Expert to fulfil his mandate, and the national dialogue was a proof of this. The problem of Sudan was not only the need for technical assistance; the country had vast humanitarian needs as a result of the conflict.

Egypt welcomed the recommendations of the Independent Expert, which encouraged the international community to assist the Sudanese Government through granting technical assistance. The delegation urged all concerned parties to implement their obligations under resolution 27/29 without any further delay. United States agreed that the current situation in Sudan was getting worse. The most serious incidents included wide spread human rights violations and killing of people. The United States believed that inclusive political dialogue was the right way to put an end to the current violence. Spain thanked the Independent Expert for his recommendations and highlighted its concerns about the lack of guarantees of human rights and the practise of impunity. Ethiopia appreciated the establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights, the Advisory Council for Human Rights and other ministerial units that were good signs of institutional progress in the field of human rights in Sudan. He inquired about the Independent Expert’s opinion on the effectiveness of the technical and capacity building assistance to Sudan.

Norway welcomed the willingness of the Government of Sudan to improve the human rights situation in the country, but remained concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression, the press and assembly, in particular the detention and treatment of opposition leaders, students and political activists. It supported the renewal and strengthening of the mandate of the Independent Expert. Mali welcomed efforts by Sudan in the field of human rights, including through legislative reforms for the protection of the rights of women. However, more needed to be done to address remaining human rights challenges. The international community should support Sudan in combatting impunity, ensuring access to justice for victims of human rights violations, and lifting restrictions on fundamental freedoms. China said Sudan had made significant progress towards political reconciliation. China supported efforts to defend national sovereignty, and hoped all parties would strengthen their efforts towards stability, which would lead to an improvement of the human rights situation. China called on the Independent Expert to strictly implement his mandate. Morocco applauded reforms that had been implemented, including a legislative framework to protect women’s rights. Morocco believed that the international community, including the Human Rights Council, should support these efforts and strengthen technical assistance and capacity building. Morocco would join the consensus on this resolution and encouraged Sudan to cooperate fully with the Independent Expert.

Switzerland said that the continued application of the death penalty in Sudan and the ongoing restrictions on the right to association and assembly were worrying, and asked the Independent Expert about immediate steps to ensure that civil society could continue their work freely and without fear of reprisals. Cuba was against the use of the agenda item on technical cooperation and capacity building for political purposes and stressed that the Universal Periodic Review was the ideal mechanism to analyse the human rights situation in countries on an equal footing. There was a need to focus on ways in which the international community and the Council could improve technical cooperation with Sudan. Bahrain commended the commitment of the Government of Sudan to continue its cooperation with human rights mechanisms despite the ongoing conflict and welcomed the support it extended to the Independent Expert in the fulfilment of his mandate. Australia said that indiscriminate attacks against civilians, forced displacement and restrictions on humanitarian access must cease, and called upon the Government to protect religious minorities and to take immediate action on the grave and wide-spread sexual and gender-based violence, including abductions and mass rape.

Belgium was deeply concerned by the human rights violations in Sudan and urged the Government to act in accordance with its international obligations, and to ensure justice and accountability in the country. Belgium inquired about what kind of mechanisms could be put in place to end the practise of impunity. Algeria thanked the Sudanese Government for its excellent cooperation and national political reform programme. These steps needed to be acknowledged by the international community. Algeria reiterated its support for ensuring technical assistance to Sudan.

East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project welcoming the interactive dialogue but expressed its disappointment with regards to Sudan’s lack of transparency and engagement with civil society. In addition, the Project was extremely concerned with the physical and digital attacks on civil society and the media by the security forces. Human Rights Watch said Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces had committed serious violations against civilians, including torture, extrajudicial killings and mass rapes. The abuses appeared to be widespread. Systematic attacks on civilian populations might constitute crimes against humanity. Concluding, he called on the International Expert to give particular attention to the ongoing conflict and patterns of repression.

Jubilee Campaign, in a joint statement, noted with regret the lack of recommendations by the Independent Expert on freedom of religion or belief despite persistent violations of these rights for religious minorities. The Council should address the human rights situation in Sudan in a more comprehensive manner and strengthen the mandate of the Independent Expert. Eastern Sudan Women Development Organization said civil society organizations were playing a great role in addressing humanitarian needs and human rights concerns in Sudan. It was very clear that the international community had however failed to provide proper assistance to civil society organizations in Sudan. The Council should end the exceptional procedure of the Independent Expert in Sudan and let the international community provide the needed support and assistance. Society Studies Centre regretted the politicization of humanitarian aid, and underlined that one of the major issues in Sudan was the humanitarian access to civilians in conflict areas. Armed groups refused to cooperate with international agencies, leaving people stuck in conflict areas in dire conditions. Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace was concerned that youth in Sudan were being severely punished by sanctions unilaterally imposed by members of the international community, in breach of international law. This had a negative impact on access to health and left the Sudanese dependent on humanitarian aid. Unilateral sanctions had become a collective punishment of civilians. The Council should terminate the mandate of the Independent Expert.

CIVICUS-World Alliance for Citizen Participation was concerned about the arrest of and sexual assault against dozens of opposition party members, human rights defenders, students and political activists in the run up, during and after the April 2015 elections. Continued intimidation of civil society organizations by Government security agents and closure of some civil society organizations were of concern. International Federation of Human Rights Leagues expressed concern about the gravelly deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan and called upon the Council to strengthen the Special Procedure on Sudan by expanding it as a Special Rapporteur with a mandate to monitor and report on violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law throughout Sudan.

Concluding Remarks by Sudan as the Concerned Country and by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan

Sudan, speaking as the concerned country, reiterated its full readiness to cooperate with the Independent Expert. It noted that some countries had been resorting to double standards which ran counter to human rights. The armed conflict and the unilateral coercive measures were the major challenges that Sudan was facing. Sudan vehemently condemned attacks against UNAMIL in the northern part of the country and said that it would resume investigation into this incident. Despite all the challenges, Sudan reiterated its full commitment to cooperate with the United Nations mechanisms, and called upon the Council to extend technical assistance and capacity building to Sudan.

ARISTIDE NONONSI, Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan, said that the main problem was to implement in practice the legislation concerning the right to freedom of expression and association. Civil society organizations should be encouraged to bring cases before national and regional courts, and to this end, the support in human rights litigation should be provided. The Government had to eliminate the persistent gender-based violence, and the international community should provide its support and resources to the Chief Prosecutor of Darfur. The Government and the international community should implement the recommendations made by the Independent Expert, not only in the form of resources, but also in terms of sharing experience and best practice in the areas of addressing human rights violations in conflict-affected areas, transnational justice and other issues of concern. The Independent Expert further said that during his next visit to Sudan, he would also visit conflict-affected areas which would enable him to have his own assessment of the situation on the basis of which he could engage with the Government.

Documentation
The Council has before it a report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic (A/HRC/30/59)
Presentation of Report by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic

MARIE-THERESE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, presented her report in view of new violence and the risks of escalation in the Central African Republic. She highlighted efforts by the Government to restore the rule of law, including the nomination of a strategic committee to register votes, and underlined that the next months would be very important in view of the ambitious electoral calendar that had been adopted. The Constitutional Court had taken the courageous decision of maintaining the right to vote for Central African refugees in neighbouring countries. She called on Governments in neighbouring countries to take measures to allow refugees to vote freely. Those under national arrest warrants should not participate in the electoral process. Following the increase in intercommunity violence, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic had imposed an arm-free zone in Bambari to ensure the security of civilians. The situation in Bangui had deteriorated the weekend before, and transition and stabilization efforts were directly threatened by armed groups asking for the Head of Transition and the Government to resign. Tensions had also spread inside the country, including in the city of Bouar. These were worrying developments, and if the violence was not rapidly contained, attacks on ethnic or religious grounds might escalate. Disarmament of all armed groups had to be an absolute priority, she said. The country must be rebuilt through professional security forces, not including perpetrators of violations.

She was preoccupied by the lack of progress regarding the implementation of the Bangui Forum recommendations, and called on the Committee in charge with this follow-up to strengthen its efforts and counter destabilization attempts. She referred to allegations of grave human rights violations by international forces and welcomed the strong messages issued by the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General recommending concrete measures to prevent and combat these abuses. The Government should finalize its draft law establishing a national human rights commission and abolishing the death penalty. She welcomed initiatives by citizens relating to transitional justice. The deterioration of the security situation called for urgent actions to restore dialogue among communities and prevent an escalation of ethnic or religious violence. The international community should support credible initiatives to exit the crisis and safeguard the transition roadmap. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and international forces should strengthen their actions to protect civilian populations. Political, technical and financial support remained key to prevent the real risks of returning violence.

Statement by the Central African Republic as the Concerned Country

Central African Republic said despite the efforts made by the Government and the international community, the security situation in the Central African Republic had deteriorated. The attacks against humanitarian organizations and residences during the latest outbreak of violence were alarming for the Government. Several offices and residences of humanitarian organizations had been looted and their freedom of movement impeded, especially health workers in hospitals. The Government was willing to work with United Nations agencies as well as other international partners to urgently stop the violations, ensure peace in the county, and preserve law and order.

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic

European Union said that the security situation remained very fragile, but recognized the significant progress made in the quest for peace, justice and reconciliation, including the manifest will to demobilize children and the efforts to fight impunity. What instruments of transitional justice could be implemented in addition to those to combat impunity? Algeria, speaking on behalf of the African Group, called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and called upon the international community to support the efforts of the Transitional Government, including the Bangui Pact and Agreement, and the implementation of the Bangui Forum recommendations. France said that deadly clashes in Bangui in September 2015 underscored the fragility of the situation. The fight against impunity remained a major challenge and France welcomed the steps taken by the Transitional Government, including the establishment of the Special Criminal Court with the power to investigate and try serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Sexual abuses by international forces must be investigated and those responsible must be prosecuted.

United States remained deeply concerned about the several thousand children who remained in armed groups and condemned attacks by armed groups on humanitarian convoys and peacekeepers. The United Nations should take all necessary steps to enforce its zero-tolerance policy and improve reporting procedures relating to sexual abuse, including of children, by peacekeepers. Estonia said that the situation in the Central African Republic was improving slowly but gradually due to immense efforts by the Transitional Government and the international community, and noted the significant challenges that remained, including re-establishment of State authority and security throughout the territory, restoring rule of law and justice, combatting impunity, achieving reconciliation, revising the economy, combatting poverty and assisting the return of displaced persons and refugees.

China said that strengthening security, restoring stability, fighting impunity, and protecting human rights were urgent tasks in the Central African Republic. Accordingly, China called on all countries to listen to the concerned State to further strengthen cooperation, and combat crimes in an effective way. Australia welcomed the report of the Independent Expert, following her second visit to the country. The violence underlined the need for authorities to re-establish democracy and the rule of law. The recent violence notwithstanding, Australia welcomed the adoption of the Republican Pact for Peace, National Reconciliation and Reconstruction, and the signing of an agreement to stop recruiting child soldiers. Luxembourg thanked the Independent Expert for the quality of her work. It was vitally important to ensure the protection of civilians, considering the current security situation the country. Recent events, however, should not shadow the progress made by the Central African Republic. Togo welcomed the measures taken by the Transitional Government in the country, carrying out investigations against human rights violators. Despite significant progress, much more needed to be done to restore the rule of law, as well as the justice system.

Gabon deplored recent events in the Central African Republic, which took the lives of many people and weakened transitional efforts. Gabon welcomed initiatives by the authorities to combat impunity and protect civilians. It also welcomed the adoption of a law establishing a special criminal court to investigate grave human rights violations in the country since January 2003. Restoring stability and security remained a major challenge, and the international community should continue its support to the Central African Republic for the implementation of the conclusions of the Bangui Forum. Spain shared concerns regarding recent violence in the Central African Republic, and welcomed recommendations to abolish the death penalty and to complete the law establishing a national human rights commission. There was still work to be done to ensure the recovery of children with post-traumatic stress disorders. Spain underlined the important work of religious leaders to promote intercommunity dialogue. Algeria welcomed significant progress made and the tangible improvements in the Central African Republic, including the adoption of the Republican Pact for Peace and National Reconciliation, and the adoption of an agreement on disarmament. A lot remained to be done to protect human rights and re-establish peace and security, and the Central African Republic was in need of technical assistance from the international community. Netherlands recognized efforts by the transitional authorities, including the Bangui Forum and the agreement to stop the recruitment of child soldiers. The Special Criminal Court was an important step towards accountability, but a full functioning judicial system would be necessary as well. The Netherlands asked the Independent Expert to give an assessment of the human rights situation of the Muslim minority and of the refugees.

Egypt welcomed the progress made by the State party but remained concerned about the current situation in the Central African Republic. Accordingly, addressing impunity was vital, and strengthening national security was an urgent matter. Benin appreciated the efforts made by the Central African Republic and welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission as it was a turning point for the country to build peace and security. Benin encouraged the Government to continue its efforts. United Kingdom noted that the report reflected the achievements made by the Transitional Government in partnership with the international community. The needs of the Central African Republic’s population and refugees remained a humanitarian priority. Further, the transitional Government needed to adopt the decree on establishing a rapid response unit to combat sexual violence. Organization of Islamic Cooperation thanked the Independent Expert for her report, which dealt with the challenges of the country. The Organization encouraged the international community to support the upcoming elections financially and technically.

Botswana welcomed positive developments in the Central Republican Republic, and its commitment to attain democracy, national security and the rule of law. It urged the authorities to implement the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the conclusions of the Bangui Forum to ensure that the country returned to normalcy. It expressed concerns at the presence of armed groups in the country, and at reports of human rights violations, including by international forces. Angola welcomed the conclusions of the Bangui Forum and efforts by the Government for peace, national security and reconciliation, and called on all parties concerned to take their responsibilities in respecting human rights and democracy in a spirit of compromise. Angola called on the international community to provide technical and financial resources to allow the Central African Republic to have elections and ensure security and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Ireland strongly urged the Government to take further measures to promote harmony between communities, particularly in view of the forthcoming elections. Ireland was concerned that violence had led to mass displacement. It recalled the importance of accountability, including for perpetrators of sexual violence, and encouraged further efforts to protect children suffering traumatic disorders. Ireland condemned sexual violence by international forces and called for immediate action to end these abuses and bring perpetrators to account. New Zealand recognized progress achieved, but was worried that the situation remained dire with inter-community violence continuing. Genuine national reconciliation was key to restore stability. New Zealand was deeply concerned about allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers, and called for strong measures to bring these people to justice, both by the United Nations and origin countries.

Norway said significant progress had been made in promoting peace and reconciliation in the Central African Republic. The positive outcome of the Bangui Forum offered hope for an end to the conflict. However, Norway remained deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the country, with numerous reports of violence and abuse against the civilian population. Croatia was concerned that armed groups continued to operate relatively freely throughout the country, and committed atrocities against the civilian population. Croatia was also worried about the reports of sexual and gender-based violence in remote parts of the country, and the absence of services for victims. Concluding, she inquired about the most important steps that the country could take in the fight against impunity. Belgium welcomed the remarkable work achieved by the Independent Expert. Despite the difficult situation, Belgium applauded that the Central African Republic had decided to take constructive steps to address the problems throughout the country. Mali acknowledged the progress made by the Government, and welcomed the positive outcome of the Bangui Forum. It was a concrete step to fight against impunity. Concluding, Mali called upon the international community to increase its support to the Central African Republic.

Mozambique welcomed the adoption of a national pact on reconciliation, the signing of the agreement on disarmament, and the commitment by armed groups to release all child soldiers. Given the rampant impunity, Mozambique welcomed the establishment of a Special Criminal Court and said there should be no amnesty for perpetrators of the most serious crimes. Sudan welcomed the positive steps by the Central African Republic towards decreasing the tensions and achieving a durable peaceful settlement in the country. The international community should fulfil its commitments in providing adequate and required assistance to the relevant sectors in close collaboration with the authorities. Côte d’Ivoire was concerned at murders, rapes, racketing, extortion and undermining of the right to health and food against civilians, and the vulnerability of women, children and the elderly. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the adoption of the Republican Pact for Peace and National Reconciliation. It underlined the importance of accountability, and encouraged further efforts to protect civilians.

Save the Children International supported recommendations to ensure children’s right to education, and highlighted that many children suffering post-stress disorder were in urgent need of care. Save the Children remained concerned about attacks and military use of schools both by armed groups and security forces. It encouraged all efforts to prevent acts of sexual violence against children, and to prosecute perpetrators. Caritas Internationalis, in a joint statement with World Evangelical Alliance, said the home of one of the eminent members of the Platform of Religious Confessions was burnt in the recent violence and recalled the important role that the Platform could play today in the process of peace and social cohesion. It was important that the Platform received protection. The Central African Republic was not ready for elections and Caritas Internationalis urged for proper judicial processes.

Jubilee Campaign noted that the transitional Government had made progress in addressing the humanitarian and human rights crisis. However, civil administration still had to be restored in certain parts of the country. The number of peace keepers had proved inadequate for maintaining peace and order. Ensuring free and fair elections was key for ensuring the country’s future. Human Rights Watch noted that the escalated violence in Bangui in the past several days had brutally drawn the attention of the international community to the volatility and fragility of the situation in the Central African Republic. Grave human rights violations continued to be committed not only in Bangui but also in the central regions of the country, far from the eyes and ears of the international community. International Federation for Human Rights Leagues underlined that the establishment of the Special Criminal Court was urgent not only because it would fight impunity of the perpetrators of grave human rights violations, but also because it was necessary to preserve the evidence, protect witnesses and victims, and to address the cases of arbitrary detention.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said 50 fatalities showed that the international community urgently needed to cooperate with the Government to address the violations. The Federation called upon all States to contribute to the solution of the problem in the Central African Republic both financially and technically. Recontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme congratulated the Independent Expert for carrying out such important work. Despite efforts by the international community to stabilise the country, much more needed to be done to put an end to the violence and impunity.

Concluding Remarks by the Central African Republic as the Concerned Country and the Independent Expert on the Situation in the Central African Republic

Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, stressed the need for inclusiveness of the international community to bring positivity to the country.

MARIE-THERESE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, in her concluding remarks, thanked all for the support, as well as questions and comments coming from all delegations. In order to make profound changes, it was also important to focus on non-traditional methods, including conservation of archives, activation of the truth commission, and guaranteeing of non-repetition. To do so, the international community needed to provide technical and financial support to the Government. Turning to the children involved in the armed conflict, the Government needed to ensure that children were returned to their homes and schools. Furthermore, measures needed to be undertaken by the Transitional Government as well as the international community to make sure that children were rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society. The level of involvement in sexual violence and abuse was very high in the country. In order to protect the future of women and children, she called for a more effective strategy, including an awareness raising campaign on the issue.

For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC15/136E