HRC47: Oral statement during ID with the Independent Expert on CAR

Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Ellis Heasley

Thank you, Madame President,

CSW thanks the Independent Expert for his update and continued work.

We are deeply concerned by reports of violations committed by government and allied foreign forces and the impact this may have on national reconciliation efforts.

In one incident in February, Russian fighters and members of the Central African Republic Army known as FACA reportedly entered a mosque in Bambari searching for rebel fighters and are alleged to have fired on several unarmed civilians.

In March, the UN Working Group on the use of Mercenaries expressed alarm over reports of “violations of international humanitarian law” in the country, and local observers also accuse Russian paramilitaries of using improvised explosive devices in Lobaye, Haute-Kotto and Ouaka.

We call for detailed investigations into these allegations, ensuring that all those responsible are held to account.

We are alarmed by this increasing use of landmines by warring parties. Over a dozen people have been killed by landmines in Ouham-Pendé and Nana-Mambéré prefectures. On 12 June 2021, the sultan-mayor of Koui was killed when his vehicle hit a landmine enroute to a meeting with the 3R armed group about possible disarmament.

We are also concerned by the recent attack on the convoy of the Head of the Evangelical Alliance, in which approximately 300 Christians were stopped by armed men who robbed them and set their vehicles alight.

Finally, we echo the call by the UN Secretary General for the government to hold meaningful dialogues with political opposition and armed groups, ensuring the peace process is revitalised, and the safety of vulnerable citizens is prioritised.

Thank you.