The 56th Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 6: UPR outcome of Congo
4 July 2024
Statement of Association Ma'onah for Human Rights and Immigration

Delivered by Gautier Boyrie / GICJ

Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

We thank the Working Group for its report, and commend the Central African Republic’s efforts to implement the recommendations from the third UPR cycle, in particular, the creation and strengthening of human rights institutions such as the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the Special Criminal Court.

We should note, however, that numerous accounts in recent years have reported that these institutions lack the financial and political support necessary to implement their crucial mandates, which we now urge the Council to assist the country in fulfilling.

The strength of these bodies is as important as ever. They should not be burdened at this critical time by a lack of independence, resources or government backing, nor by internal division. The Central African Republic since the previous UPR cycle continues to exhibit significant threats to its people’s human rights, including: Sexual and gender-based violence Extrajudicial killings; Violations committed by armed groups, which continue the abhorrent practice of employing child soldiers; and, importantly Judicial impunity of powerful actors in violation of international law.

Association Ma'Onah and the Geneva International Centre for Justice call on the Council to provide the necessary financial and technical support to the Central African Republic in its efforts to strengthen these institutions, and through them, to prevent such abuses in the future.

Thank you.