The 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

28 February to 1 April 2022

Statement of association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration and Geneva International Centre for Justice

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

30 March 2022

Delivered by Amal Bushara

Thank you President.

We welcome steps taken by the CAR Government to promote and protect human rights, including the establishment of a special commission of inquiry to investigate violations of international humanitarian and human rights law linked to the elections.   

Indeed, it’s time to break CAR’S prolonged and worrying cycle of violence. To that end, there must be comprehensive and effective efforts to investigate and remedy all alleged abuses and human rights violations. However, there has been very little justice or accountability within CAR for crimes committed in Bangui and outside of the capital due to the lack of police and security. Essentially, as implementing authorities are weak, national efforts to address the prolonged conflict become obsolete.

Considering the current limited function of the traditional judicial system and governance mechanisms, Association Ma’onah and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on the international community and government of CAR to support alternative justice and governance mechanisms, such as local and inter-communal reconciliation efforts to mediate conflict and promote dialogue across conflict zones. This would allow communities to anticipate, prevent and remedy violence in their regions where traditional mechanisms have broken down due to violence. 

Thank you.