HRC45: Oral statement during ID with Independent Expert on CAR

Item 10:Interactive Dialogue with the IE on CAR

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker:Claire Denman

Thank you, Madame President,

CSW welcomes the report of the Independent Expert and thanks him for his work.

More than 18 months have passed since the signing of the peace agreement in 2019; however, violence continues to occur.

CSW is concerned by violence targeting civilians and MINUSCA. Fatal attacks on UN peacekeepers in March and July this year, and ongoing clashes between armed groups, highlight the urgent need for full implementation of the peace agreement.

We encourage the government to work towards disarming and demobilizing armed groups operating in the country, ensuring the right to life and security for all citizens. We also call on the government to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice in an unbiased manner, and further encourage CAR to appoint members to the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission.

The government must work to re-establish state authority and administration throughout the country so that citizens are able to participate in the upcoming elections without experiencing violence or intimidation. A comprehensive ceasefire is vital to ensuring elections can take place with transparency, and are free and fair. Every effort must be made to avoid a further deterioration in security while respecting the democratic process.

Ongoing violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief are also of concern. The main. perpetrators are armed groups affiliated with the Seleka and anti-Balaka militias.

Once again, we urge the government to guarantee freedom of religion or belief for all citizens, and ensure justice and assistance for victims of violence.

Thank you