Speech

UN Human Rights Council 43: interactive dialogue on the Central African Republic

The UK’s International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue on the Central African Republic

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Rita French
• Published: 19 June 2020

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Delivered on: 19 June 2020 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Madame Vice President,

The UK remains concerned that armed groups continue to commit the majority of human rights abuses against the Central African Republic population, despite being signatories to the 2019 Peace Agreement. The UK calls on all armed groups to adhere to the Peace Agreement and cease all forms of violence.

We urge the CAR Government to prioritise their efforts to strengthen the judicial system and hold perpetrators of human rights abuses to account in the fight against impunity. Tangible progress is desperately needed to improve prospects for stability and prosperity throughout CAR.

CAR is at a crossroads in its history, with presidential and legislation elections scheduled for December 2020 – the first since the Peace Agreement was signed. The UK urges the CAR Government, the African Union, the UN and the international community to support free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections in CAR.

Madame Vice President,

We would welcome advice on what the international community can do to ensure the Peace Agreement is protected at this critical juncture.

Thank you.

Published 19 June 2020