UN Human Rights Council 48: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on Central African Republic
UK Ambassador to the UN and WTO in Geneva Simon Manley gave this statement and thanked the Independent Expert for his report on the Central African Republic.
Thank you, Madam President.
The UK thanks the Independent Expert for his report on the Central African Republic.
We remain concerned by the reports of widespread human rights violations and abuses, including: extrajudicial and summary killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and detentions, disproportionate use of force, conflict-related sexual violence and the recruitment of children into armed groups. Reports of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN Peacekeepers are also deeply concerning. We welcome the UN’s decision to withdraw the troops and we urge a full investigation.
The increase in violence since the elections is also deeply concerning. The continued violence being perpetrated by armed groups, who are signatories to the Peace Agreement, as well as by Government forces and their proxies, is unacceptable. The UK stands ready to agree appropriate measures, including UN sanctions, in response. We urge all actors to respect the Peace Agreement, and to cease immediately attacks on civilians and humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel. We urge the Government to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Madam President,
We would welcome the Independent Expert’s views on what steps the Central African Republic and the international community should take to secure respect for the Peace agreement.