Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Sarah Talkovsky
Human Rights Council – 53rd Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Mr. Agbetse, we are grateful for your commitment to increase respect for human rights in the Central African Republic.
We encourage the government’s continued efforts to extend the activities of criminal courts in the country, particularly to support the work of the Special Criminal Court to increase accountability for human rights abuses.
At the same time, the United States is profoundly concerned over reports of human rights violations and abuses committed by armed groups, the country’s army, and Wagner Group forces. The Wagner Group’s increasing control over mineral resources has grim implications for the country’s ability to progressively realize the economic rights of Central Africans.
As you said, anyone who engages in hate speech or disinformation hinders the peace process, stability, recovery, reconciliation, and security.
The Central African Republic needs a durable peace based on good governance, free and fair elections, respect for human rights, justice, and accountability. Relying on military action alone will fail.
How can partners best cooperate with the government and the United Nations to promote greater respect for human rights in the Central African Republic?
I thank you.
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