UN Human Rights Council 46: Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic
The UK's International Human Rights Ambassador delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic.
Thank you, Madam President,
The UK is deeply concerned about the volatile security situation in CAR in the aftermath of presidential and legislative elections. The number of reported human rights violations and abuses have significantly increased since the first round of voting, and throughout the state of emergency.
Armed groups, in particular the Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement, are responsible for killing and abducting civilians, as well as the deaths of seven UN peacekeepers. They have burned down polling stations, destroyed election materials, and threatened and intimidated Central Africans, preventing them from exercising their right to vote. This is unacceptable.
We urge all sides to cease all attacks on civilians, humanitarian actors and peacekeeping personnel immediately, and to engage in political dialogue in good faith. The UK stands ready to agree appropriate measures, including UN sanctions in line with Article 35 of the Peace Agreement, in response to continued violence or further human rights violations and abuses.
Madam President,
The UK would welcome the Independent Expert’s assessment of the state of the Peace Agreement, and any steps the CAR government, regional partners and the international community can take to strengthen peaceful and inclusive dialogue in CAR.
Thank you.