STATEMENT
61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 10 - High-level ID on the human rights situation in
the Central African Republic.
Statement by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador - Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations Norway on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries.
Check against delivery
26 March 2026
President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts.
We welcome the local elections held in CAR last year, the first since 1988. Local elections are key to strengthening democracy and restoring state authority throughout the country. We further welcome progress made in the implementation of the political agreement. However, we continue to be deeply concerned about extensive and serious human rights violations and abuses. We call on the CAR government to investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.
The security situation remains fragile and continues to expose civilians, particularly women and children, to severe protection risks, including sexual violence. The economic and food security crises place a heavy care burden on women. At the same time, they continue to be largely excluded from peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts. Inclusion of women in such efforts will add capacity and talent. It will also enhance the prospects of durable peace and stability.
President,
How can the international community support the CAR in ensuring full, effective, and meaningful participation of women in the implementation of the peace instruments and in decision making processes?
Thank you.