STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 54th Session.
Item 10 - Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries:
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
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10 October 2023
President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts.
We would also like to commend the Government of the Central African Republic for cooperating with the Independent Expert.
The Independent Expert’s report shows that the civilian population suffers from persistent and widespread violence, grave human rights violations and abuses, and lack of access to basic services. We are particularly worried about the precarious situation for the country´s nearly 3 million children.
The report highlights low school enrolment rate and lack of vocational training. These are aggravating factors in the recruitment of children by armed groups, the trafficking of children as well as child marriages.
Education and lifelong learning are key to fostering peacebuilding and sustainable development. We would appreciate if you could elaborate on what measures are undertaken by the government to ensure children and youth quality education, free from fear, violence and threats.
Thank you.