Human Rights Council

Interactive dialogue with: The report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

28 September 2017

Mr. President,

The grave situation in Central African Republic is in desperate need of financial and training assistance to achieve justice and peace. EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice urge the Council and Member States to provide the required finances and resources towards implementing the agreed on recommendations of the Independent Expert on CAR that reflect the objectives of the CAR government with respect to elevating human rights and preventing human rights abuses.  To begin with, enhancing inclusive cooperation between all relevant stakeholders is always a crucial and positive first step towards effective participation and contribution from all sides.

In this regard, as per the Independent Expert’s second recommendation, means to “encourage and ensure women’s participation in all peace and negotiation initiatives, in line with Security Council resolution 1325 (2000); and to include the Central African political parties in negotiations on peace, reconciliation and the future of the country” necessitates effective contributions and assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner, the Human Rights Council and its member states, and all other relevant stakeholders.

Financial assistance and human rights training of officials engaged in relocating refugees and displaced persons is vital in securing the human rights of civilians and children. Furthermore, in order to ensure justice and accountability of those who have committed grave human rights violations, the OHCHR has to provide guidance and necessary measures at the legal and judicial level. Finally, we recommend close engagement with local and religious leaders and peace-makers to achieve peaceful reconciliation and healing within civil society of the Central African Republic.

Thank you.