Group of UN Experts Raise Alarm Over Lawlessness In Central African Republic
A group of United Nations independent experts today warned that the rule of law in the Central African Republic (CAR) is
"almost non-existent" as abuses of power and human rights violations have become pervasive in the country.
"We are seriously concerned over reported acts of killings, torture, arbitrary detention, gender-based violence,
enforced disappearances, 'mob justice' and the pervasive climate of insecurity and the absence of the rule of law which
have prevailed in the country in the last five months," the human rights experts said, urging authorities to take immediate steps to put an end to all human rights violations and ensure there is no
impunity for the perpetrators.
Violence erupted this past December in CAR -- which has been marked by decades of instability and fighting -- when the
Séléka rebel coalition launched a series of attacks. A peace agreement was reached in January, but the rebels again
seized the capital, Bangui, in March, forcing President François Bozizé to flee. At present, CAR is governed by a
National Transitional Council headed by Michel Djotodia and a transitional government formed in June.
"There have been a number of killings, sometimes in retaliation for incidents of 'mob justice' against members of the
Séléka coalition. Some 46 cases are allegedly documented," said the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or
arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns. "I call for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation of all suspected
cases of arbitrary executions to identify and bring to justice those responsible."
The Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Juan E. Méndez, warned
that "torture seems to be widespread in the country," and called on authorities to make sure that every allegation of
torture or of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment is investigated by law enforcement officers.
Rashida Manjoo, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, stressed that there have been numerous cases of sexual
abuse and rape reported in all of the localities that Séléka combatants have passed through.
"The State has a responsibility to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence against
women, whether those acts are perpetrated by the State or by private persons," Ms. Manjoo said. "Women and girls must be
provided with access to medical, psychological, social and other assistance as well as to effective mechanisms of
justice and to just and effective remedies for the harm that they have suffered."
The UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances said it had also received allegations that a number of civilians as well
as officers and soldiers of the official army (FACA) had been abducted by armed Séléka groups. On 14 April, a staff
sergeant of the amphibious battalion and a first class soldier of the ex-presidential guard were reportedly arrested and
brought to an unknown destination.
"Any act of enforced disappearance is an offence to human dignity and no circumstances whatsoever may be invoked to
justify this heinous crime," the Working Group underscored.
Special rapporteurs are appointed by the Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human
rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
Aug 6 2013 10:00AM
ENDS