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Oral Statements

CAR Crisis: Urgent Call for Peace, Protection & Regional Action

The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council

Item 10 Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Independent Expert on Central African Republic

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

4 July 2025

By Mutua K. Kobia / GICJ 

We welcome the oral update by the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic. It is with deep concern that we note the continued violence by armed groups, which continues to terrorize the civilian population and obstruct prospects for peace.

While we acknowledge progress in national security efforts, ongoing attacks—such as the recent outbreak of violence around Bozoum in mid-June—highlight the fragility of the situation. We are especially disturbed by the widespread and documented violations against women and children, as reported by various UN bodies earlier this year. These violations are being committed with impunity, further exacerbating the suffering of civilians.

We are also alarmed by the spill-over violence from neighboring countries, and agree with the Independent Expert on the importance of deploying trained and well-equipped national security forces to protect the population. With nearly 40% of the population in need of humanitarian aid this year, the need for support is extremely urgent. Looking ahead to the 2025 elections, we share the concerns regarding the current conditions. Continued violence, looting, and the burning of homes seriously undermine the possibility of holding inclusive, peaceful, and free elections.

In conclusion, we call for technical assistance to support the electoral process and emphasize the need to build national capacities, as over-reliance on external aid can hinder long-term progress as was mentioned by the Independent Exert earlier this year. Lastly, given the regional dimensions of the crisis, we stress the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation to promote lasting peace and stability.

Thank you.

 CAR Crisis: Urgent Call for Peace, Protection & Regional Action
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The 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council

Item 10 Interactive Dialogue on the oral update of the Independent Expert on Central African Republic

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

4 July 2025

By Mutua K. Kobia / GICJ 

We welcome the oral update by the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic. It is with deep concern that we note the continued violence by armed groups, which continues to terrorize the civilian population and obstruct prospects for peace.

While we acknowledge progress in national security efforts, ongoing attacks—such as the recent outbreak of violence around Bozoum in mid-June—highlight the fragility of the situation. We are especially disturbed by the widespread and documented violations against women and children, as reported by various UN bodies earlier this year. These violations are being committed with impunity, further exacerbating the suffering of civilians.

We are also alarmed by the spill-over violence from neighboring countries, and agree with the Independent Expert on the importance of deploying trained and well-equipped national security forces to protect the population. With nearly 40% of the population in need of humanitarian aid this year, the need for support is extremely urgent. Looking ahead to the 2025 elections, we share the concerns regarding the current conditions. Continued violence, looting, and the burning of homes seriously undermine the possibility of holding inclusive, peaceful, and free elections.

In conclusion, we call for technical assistance to support the electoral process and emphasize the need to build national capacities, as over-reliance on external aid can hinder long-term progress as was mentioned by the Independent Exert earlier this year. Lastly, given the regional dimensions of the crisis, we stress the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation to promote lasting peace and stability.

Thank you.

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