Norway remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in the Central African Republic where even the most fundamental rights to life, liberty and security of person are at stake. There is an urgent need to do more to ensure respect for international human rights and humanitarian law.
Norway commends Mme Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum for her efforts. The Independent Expert is doing important work under very challenging conditions.
Though the international stabilisation efforts have improved security for the civilian population in the Central African Republic, Norway would like to stress the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable. Special efforts must be made to protect children, persons with disabilities, and those at risk from sexual and gender-based violence.
Lawlessness, revenge and retaliation is at core of the prevailing violence and human rights violations the Central African Republic. In order to break the cycle of violence, it is essential that those responsible for gross human rights violations are brought to justice. Do you see any progress in the efforts to reestablish the justice chain and in the fight against impunity?
It is important that the Transitional Government take the lead on the difficult task of ending the conflict and re-establish rule of law and a functioning state. We encourage the Transitional Government to continue its cooperation with the UN OHCHR, the Independent Expert, and other mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.