Human Rights Council - 26th Regular Session
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic
24 June 2014
Australian Statement
Australia is deeply concerned by the ongoing and widespread abuses and violations of human rights in the Central African Republic. We call on the Transitional Authorities, which are supported by French, European Union and African Union forces in the country, to do all within their power to end the culture of impunity that perpetuates instability and undermines efforts towards intercommunity reconciliation.
The continuing reports of murder, rape, forced child recruitment and other serious human rights violations across the country demand a clear message that there will be no impunity for those responsible. In this regard we welcome the work of the International Commission of Inquiry on the Central African Republic. There can be no resolution to the dire humanitarian situation in the CAR – with more than half of the population in need of assistance, more than 550,000 people internally displaced and almost 375,000 refugees in neighbouring countries - without a restoration of law and order.
Australia has supported the establishment of the MINUSCA Peace-Keeping Operation in the CAR. We welcome the operation’s mandate to protect and promote human rights and help to investigate and contribute to efforts to prosecute those responsible for violations. We would welcome the Independent Expert’s advice on how best MINUSCA, once deployed, can support the Transitional Authorities in this regard.
We thank the Independent Expert for her efforts to shed light on this very troubling situation.