Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
I would like to begin by welcoming the recent abolishment of the death penalty in the Central African Republic. The United Kingdom recognises this as a vital step towards ensuring human rights for all.
However, we remain dismayed by on-going human rights violations and abuses by all parties in CAR. These can trigger displacement across the country and contribute to the deteriorating humanitarian situation. As of 1 May 2022, 658,000 Central Africans have been internally displaced whilst 738,000 have fled to neighbouring countries.
Continued targeting of humanitarian personnel and the indiscriminate killing of civilians is unacceptable and must stop.
We call on the Government of CAR to open an independent investigation into the allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and the violations and abuses of human rights in the CAR, including allegations of abuses committed by the Central African Armed Forces and the private Russian mercenary group, Wagner. The Wagner Group plays a destabilising role in the country, worsening the humanitarian situation and undermining UN work. The government must ensure all actors are held to account.
Mr Agbetse,
We would welcome your views on how this Council can best work to address the deepening humanitarian crisis, including what support the international community can provide to CAR in this regard.
Thank you.
