Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on the Central African Republic
Human Rights Council – 54th Session
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Sylvia Updegraff
Thank you, Madam Vice President.
And thank you to the Independent Expert for your presentation today.
The United States is concerned about reports of extensive human rights abuses, including sexual violence, committed by armed groups and during coordinated operations by Central African Armed Forces and Wagner Group elements. These reports describe deliberate targeting of villages and other communities.
The United States is also concerned by OHCHR reports of involvement by state actors in human rights abuses and of obstacles to UN monitoring in certain areas.
The United States encourages the Government to ensure state actors immediately cease any human rights violations and hold perpetrators of past violations and abuses accountable.
We call upon the government to protect members of predominantly Muslim communities targeted by Wagner Group and Central African Armed Forces operations, as detailed in UN reporting.
The United States supports efforts seeking accountability for atrocities committed since 2003. We welcome the first verdict issued by the Special Criminal Court against high-ranking members of the 3R, and we call for all perpetrators to be held to account.
Question: How can we protect civilians to encourage strong participation in political processes, including potential upcoming local elections?
I thank you.
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