The 51st Session of the Human Rights Council

12 September 2022 – 7 October 2022

Item 10: ID on IE on Central African Republic

5 October 2022 

Statement of International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and Geneva International Centre for Justice

Delivered by Loïc Dorthe

Thank you, Vice-President,

We welcome the report of the independent expert on human rights in the Central African Republic and the progress reached, including the abolition of the death penalty and the national action plan to combat child trafficking. 

For many years, the population of the Central African Republic has lacked opportunities and the younger generations have been deprived of their future. Restoring stability and security seems to be the government’s main objective. Despite its obvious importance, we are alarmed by the enormous costs that accompany it. 

To achieve stability, the government collaborates with foreign armed groups, which are effective in the short term. However, this partnership undermines the CAR's long-term ability to act as a sovereign state. It is also affecting MINUSCA’ work. Alleged crimes against humanity, violations of international humanitarian law, and the plundering of the country's resources by these armed groups cannot go unanswered.  

To move towards reconciliation, an inclusive dialogue between communities must be promoted. The local elections, which have been postponed to January 2023, are therefore of utmost importance. They must be fair and genuine to allow the population to feel represented. 

EAFORD and the Geneva International Centre for Justice, reiterate the call for independent experts to provide the required technical and financial support. We also call for further international measures to prevent the proliferation and limit the power of foreign armed groups, to achieve long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the Central African Republic.

I thank you.