HRC59: Concerning Humanitarian Situation in the Central African Republic
The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council
16 June - 09 July 2025
Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent Expert on Central African Republic
4 July 2025
By Eva Claeys / GICJ
Executive Summary
While progress has been made, the Central African Republic (CAR) remains deeply entrenched in a concerning state. Basic needs of millions of citizens are not met, human rights’ violations such as child soldier recruitment and gender-based violence are widespread, armed groups terrorise the population, and impunity and insecurity are current key issues. That is what the Independent Expert (IE) on the Central African Republic has highlighted during the interactive dialogue on 26 June 2025 at the 59th Human Rights Council.
Multiple delegations expressed concern over the oral update given by the IE. Although many countries welcomed the government’s commitment to its country with the help of international mechanisms, they still emphasised the need for increased protection of civilians, justice for victims of all kinds of abuses, and the disarmament of armed groups. Several states pointed out the importance of dealing with gender-based violence, improving access to humanitarian aid as well as ensuring the return of displaced populations. The IE also deemed foreign involvement in the country as a destabilising factor and called for accountability as well as respect of international law.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) echoes the concern of the IE regarding the deeply alarming human rights situation taking place in the Central African Republic. GICJ stands with all victims of armed violence, gender-based violence as well as displacement, and calls out the widespread impunity of actors involved in the conflict. We call on the HRC and the international community to keep monitoring the situation, support transitional justice mechanisms and ensure the protection of populations. We also urge the CAR government to continue and increase cooperation with the UN and build a concrete plan in order to ensure accountability, peace and the respect of basic human rights.
Background
The ongoing crisis taking place in the Central African Republic finds its roots in the overthrow in 2013 of ex-President Bozizé’s government by Seleka, a coalition of rebel groups. When their leader Michel Djotodia became president after Seleka’s coup, he attempted to dissolve the Seleka forces but some fighters refused to comply. The emergence of “anti-balaka” militias led to violent conflicts between them and some remaining (ex-)Seleka members. Both groups often clashed over the control of mineral resources and migration routes, and terrorised civilians. The presidential election of Faustin-Archange Touadéra in 2016 and his decision to part the territory led to a relative appeasement of the tensions between the two groups. Shortly afterwards, however, clashes grew between different factions of Seleka and are still ongoing to this day.
As a whole, the CAR is deeply entrenched in a “critical humanitarian situation” according to the UN. Insecurity prevails in the country, an estimated 5.6% of the country’s population died in 2022, more than twice as high as for any other country [1]. Around 447,000 people have been internally displaced and roughly 674,000 inhabitants sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chad [2]. Attacks have been perpetrated against humanitarian workers: since the beginning of the CAR UN mission in 2014, 176 UN peacekeepers were killed [3]. These various clashes drove the country’s economy down, crippling the private sector and leaving nearly 75% of the population in poverty [3]. The state of Central Africans’ health is similarly appalling: there are currently only 0.6 doctors for 10,000 people, one of the lowest ratios in the world, and the risk of dying in childbirth is 104 times higher than in France [4]. The CAR is also particularly exposed to the effects of climate change; it is ranked 140 out of 141 on the 2024 ND-GAIN index measuring a given country’s vulnerability to global warming [5].
Summary of Expert’s Report
Following resolution 57/35, Independent Expert on the Central African Republic, Mr. Yao Agbetse, gave an oral update on his first written report on human rights in the CAR published in 2022 (A/HRC/51/59).
According to Mr. Agbetse, the current human rights situation in the CAR requires the attention and consideration of the international community. He warned: either the international community intensifies its technical support to pull the country out of insecurity, or the international community’s previous efforts would have been for nothing. Justice, peace, and development are needed for the CAR to get back on track. There are still challenges remaining in the fields of reconciliation, the impacts of foreign conflicts on the CAR, human rights, impunity, sexual violence, civic space, elections, development, and its reliance on international help.
On the reconciliation part, the IE took into account the efforts provided by the government. He noted with satisfaction the signing of a peace agreement between two armed groups, “Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique” (UPC) and “Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation” (3R) on 19 June 2025. However, Mr. Agbetse also highlighted that threats linked to armed groups were still remaining. Therefore, he called for the government to continue its operations and work for the reinsertion of former fighters into society. He concluded by asking the CAR’s international partners to continue and intensify their supporting efforts.
Regarding the impacts of internal conflicts in neighboring countries, the IE pointed out the significant number of Sudanese refugees coming to the CAR and the increase in prices due to the end of commercial relations with Sudan. He also underlined the concerning situation at the too permeable border with Sudan, leading to trafficking of all kinds and recruitment of child soldiers. Mr. Agbetse concluded by advising the CAR government to better secure its North-Eastern border in particular.
Between April and June 2025, the IE highlighted that human rights violations were still happening. He documented arbitrary arrests and detentions as well as attacks on the rights to property, to life, and to physical and mental integrity. In the context of the ongoing conflict, sexual abuses continue to be perpetrated while children are recruited and used as soldiers. He identified armed groups like UPC or 3R and their international supporters such as Russia as the main violators of international and national law.
Concerning impunity, although the Special Criminal Court (SCC) continues to function, the IE underscored that the decision of the USA to cut funding to key sectors places this court in a precarious position. Partners should mobilise to guarantee judicial accountability. The IE welcomed the creation of the CVJRR (Commission Vérité, justice, réparation et réconciliation), but advised the government to put it under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior and to abrogate article 7 of the law regarding the length of its mandate.
Despite some efforts provided by the CAR government, the programs aiming to fight against gender-based violence lack funding; the IE called for more effort on this side.
Mr. Agbetse noted that the freedom of expression and of association are both enshrined in the 2023 constitution as pillars to guarantee the vitality of the civic space, itself being key to democracy. He highlighted that these liberties have been restricted in the CAR. Peaceful protests have been stopped and human rights advocates have been arrested. The notion of public order alone cannot justify the limitations of these rights; all restrictions must be legitimate, proportionate and justified. The IE also mentioned the recent law passed by the National Assembly on 26 May 2025 on the freedom of the press and of communication, and how the articles 130, 140, 151 and 193 are considered to be harmful to the very liberties they are supposed to protect.
Regarding the elections, Mr. Agbetse called the authorities to make an institutional change on 26 June 2025. He observed malfunctions and delays which an institutional change could fix. In case this reform is not done, it is however highly likely that the country will face a political crisis. He emphasised the importance of local elections in the consolidation of the federal state. The IE then sided with Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix who, on 26 June 2025, called on the international community to support the upcoming presidential elections in the CAR.
Concerning development, the rehabilitation of road, justice, education, health, clean water, sport, and culture infrastructures is key to reinstate and consolidate the state’s authority. The vitality of economic activity also relies on these pillars. The IE pointed out that the National Development Plan 2024-2028 (NDP) could contribute to the achievement of the development goals.
Mr. Agbetse reiterated that the role of the international community is to support the CAR. To reduce the current overreliance of the CAR on international help and increase domestic product, he advised to focus the help on the reinforcement of technical and strategic capacities.
He concluded by calling the armed groups to lay down weapons to give the inhabitants of the CAR the peace and reconciliation they deserve.
Interactive Dialogue
Statement of the concerned country
The delegate of the Central African Republic took the floor to welcome the oral update on the human rights situation in the CAR and reaffirmed the authorities’ willingness to cooperate with the UN. He underlined that peace was one of the main objectives of this government as shown by the agreement signed with armed groups on 19 April. Although recent worrying events took place in the CAR, they are not questioning the state’s commitment. The delegate pointed out that the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Repatriation process (DDRR) had begun and called for international support. He then went on to condemn the attacks perpetrated against UN peacekeeping forces. The government remains resolute to act against impunity; the delegate highlighted that the Special Criminal Court stayed active even when funding lacked. When referring to the institutional reform wanted by the IE, he said that inclusive consultations would be held. The CAR delegate reminded the state’s attachment to basic freedoms such as freedom of the press and of demonstration but underlined that the seemingly liberticide measures had been taken as a way to guarantee security. Regarding elections, reflections have begun to make the electoral process more efficient. He also shed light on the importance of the National Development Plan 2024-2028 (NDP) as a framework to pull the country out of its current precarious state. The delegate concluded by saying that 3.4 million Central Africans – more than half of the population – need emergency humanitarian assistance; a situation that the government is trying to solve despite limited resources. That is why the delegate called for an international mobilisation.
Statement by other countries and groups
The delegate of the European Union thanked the IE for his update. He acknowledged the progress made by the CAR but also the remaining violations of human rights, including those on women’s and children’s rights. The delegate then reiterated the EU’s support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). He asked for the end of violence including the withdrawal of the Russian mercenary group Wagner. The EU welcomed the 19 April peace agreement and the commitment of the CAR as well as the work of the Special Criminal Court. The delegate then encouraged the state to carry on the plan of decentralisation, the financing of the SCC and the creation of the right conditions for the elections.
The delegate of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) echoed the concerns of the IE. He was particularly concerned about the Muslim minority facing discriminatory treatment and targeted attacks. He announced a new fact-finding visit in the CAR led by the OIC along with their partners to study the possibility of setting up a humanitarian corridor there. The delegate then called on all stakeholders of the conflict to respect human rights of all, including Muslim minorities, and highlighted the importance of setting up an inclusive dialogue.
The delegate of the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) first thanked the IE for his oral update. He welcomed the efforts of the CAR government and noted with satisfaction the organisation of elections as a way for the CAR to find stability as well as reinforce reconciliation and democracy. The delegate also praised the 19 April peace agreement signed between the state, UPC and 3R. He also declared that the DRC was pleased with the good relations existing between his state and the CAR. Finally, he called on the international community to support the efforts of the CAR government.
The delegate of Egypt welcomed the report of the IE as well as the efforts of the concerned country. He praised the CAR for its willingness to collaborate with the UN and advised them to further cooperate. He then underlined the role of the council in supporting technical cooperation mechanisms and capacity-building and encouraged more dialogue with countries involved in the CAR to properly understand its needs regarding human rights.
The delegate of Cameroon thanked the IE for his oral update and welcomed the efforts of the CAR to promote peace. Despite remaining challenges, she acknowledged the progress made in the fields of reconciliation, security and justice. The delegate declared that Cameroon, as a neighboring country, closely followed the evolution of the situation in the CAR and lent its support to the Central African people. She praised the cooperation between the CAR and its partners which remains key to move forward. Finally, she called on the international community to continue supporting the efforts of the CAR government.
The delegate of South Sudan took note of the oral update made by the IE. Despite challenges faced by the CAR, the country made encouraging strides. The delegate declared that South Sudan, as a neighboring country, acknowledged the progress made by the government and encouraged them further. He finally called on the HRC and the international community to maintain their support.
The delegate of Slovenia thanked the IE for his oral update and aligned herself with the EU statement. She welcomed the 19 April peace agreement and reiterated Slovenia’s support for the MINUSCA. She, however, remained concerned about the country’s situation, particularly regarding the violations of women’s and children’s rights. Slovenia also praised the efforts of election preparation but recommended launching initiatives aiming at increasing women’s participation. She concluded by asking the IE how the international community could support the SCC.
The delegate of the United Kingdom thanked the IE for his oral update and welcomed the efforts of the CAR government. He praised the appointment of 11 new commissioners of the Truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation commission but remained alarmed about the human rights situation. The delegate encouraged the state to hold accountable members of armed groups guilty of abuses of human rights and to strengthen civil and political rights in the run-up to the elections. He concluded by questioning the IE on how the international community could ensure the validity of the elections.
The delegate of the Russian federation noted that the security situation in the CAR was gradually improving. Regarding the remaining violence mostly generated by armed groups, he declared that investigating the matter is important but that those assessments should fall under the jurisdiction of the CAR government. The delegate also welcomed the lift on the arms embargo against the CAR in 2024, emphasising that the focus should be put on combating armed groups. Russia is especially concerned about those armed factions as they are violating women’s and children’s rights, but praised the government for its work with international human rights organisations.
The delegate of China thanked the IE for his oral update and welcomed the efforts of the CAR government. She called for constructive dialogue between states and asked the international community to work in favor of human rights.
The delegate of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the efforts of the CAR government and declared that Venezuela would be happy to continue contributing to the improvement of the situation on the ground. He welcomed the fact that 95% of the recommendations made during the 4th cycle of the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) were adopted by the CAR. He insisted that this interactive dialogue should revolve around technical assistance and the reinforcement of capacities. Aid or assistance decisions should always be made with the agreement of the concerned country as a way to respect the state’s sovereignty. The delegate finally encouraged the CAR to continue working toward peace and reconciliation with the help of the UN.
Statement by NGOs and Civil Society
Although most of the NGOs and of civil society welcomed the CAR’s efforts, they echoed the IE’s declarations and remained concerned over persistent violence as well as a fragile security situation. They condemned gross human rights violations like gender-based violence, children recruitment in armed groups, and ethnic and religious targeting. Concern over the increased use of hate speech and violence directed at Muslims and Fulanis was raised.
Foreign interference, especially the implication of the Russian mercenaries’ group Wagner in the CAR’s matters, was thoroughly criticised. NGOs and civil society were also alarmed by the democratic backsliding in the country, as shown by the 2023 constitutional reform. That is why they called for free, peaceful, and timely elections.
They also emphasised the need to fight impunity and strengthen transitional justice as well as the need to rehabilitate infrastructure and improve basic services like health, water, and education. The full implementation of peace agreements and inclusive governance is also key to the development of the CAR.
In order to fulfill these recommendations, NGOs and civil society reiterated the IE’s call for international support and technical assistance.
Conclusion
The IE thanked the delegations which spoke and started to answer their questions. Regarding elections, he declared that the international community could help the CAR to instate a structural reform to the national authority in charge of elections, as well as financially support the country. Although MINUSCA is already doing it, the international community should also work with the CAR to ensure security during elections.
Concerning the support that can be given to the SCC, he asked international partners to give more stable funding, especially since the USA decided to cut foreign funding for a number of key areas in the CAR and also save a part of this money to create a reparations fund.
When it came to violence generated by elections, Mr. Agbetse declared that awareness about the participation of women, displaced persons and refugees needed to be raised. He also mentioned that the return of displaced people or refugees could be done with the help of international organisations.
The IE finally reminded the delegations that the CAR’s plan for developing human rights could not be fulfilled without their help.
GICJ position
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) thanks the Independent Expert for his oral update on the political, social, and humanitarian situation of the Central African Republic.
Although we welcome the efforts and commitment of the government, the overall situation remains deeply concerning; the impact of foreign conflicts on the CAR, child recruitment in armed groups, human rights’ violations, impunity, gender-based violence, and hate speech and actions are still widespread in the country.
We therefore call on the CAR to maintain its efforts and on the international community to support the country in key areas like transitional justice, elections, and development.
Sources
[1] https://reliefweb.int/report/central-african-republic/extreme-mortality-rate-found-central-african-republic
[2] https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/car
[3] https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violence-central-african-republic
[4]https://www.msf.org.za/news-and-resources/news-and-resources/central-african-republic-silent-health-crisis
[5] https://dicf.unepgrid.ch/central-african-republic/climate-change
