HRCttee: Human rights concerns in the Central African Republic

Introduction

CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) is a human rights organisation specialising in the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). CSW wishes to bring the following concerns and recommendations to the Committee’s attention, in reference to the Central African Republic (CAR). This submission draws on CSW’s research and detailed witness testimonies, and considers CAR’s commitments to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), with a particular focus on Article 18.

Background

CAR is a secular and democratic state. The current constitution, adopted after a national referendum in December 2015, guarantees freedom of conscience, assembly and worship. However, the constitutional provisions do not express the full definition of FoRB as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and international treaties, including the ICCPR.

CAR ratified the ICCPR on 8 May 1981. However, FoRB violations have occurred for decades across the country. Restrictions on the right to FoRB continue to be reported and militias exert control over citizens with impunity.

Since November 2016 armed groups have increasingly split into factions, causing an increase in violence, which in turn has led to large scale population displacement.

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