Statement by the Delegation of the United States
Delivered by Anna Chambers
Geneva, September 23, 2009
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States welcomes the Central African Republic’s adoption of reforms, particularly those favoring increased press freedom, and its efforts to improve human rights through actions taken in the social and security sectors.
However, the United States remains concerned regarding the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of human rights abuses in the security forces, including the presidential guard, particularly for alleged summary executions in the north committed by the military between 2005 and 2007. We strongly support the recommendations to investigate abuses and hold those responsible for violations accountable, and to incorporate human rights training into the military training regime.
The United States appreciates the Central African Republic’s efforts to undertake reforms of its justice system, its willingness to work with human rights organizations regarding abuses, and encourages it to continue allowing special procedures to visit the county.
The United States appreciates Central African Republic’s efforts to prevent children from being used in or recruited unlawfully by the military, and the government’s acceptance of the recommendation to monitor self-defense militias to prevent child soldiering by armed groups.
The United States notes that gender-based violence remains a problem in Central African Republic, and welcomes the national action plan on gender-based violence as a positive step to improve protection of victims and prosecution of perpetrators.
Thank you, Mr. President.