The UN has demanded accountability in the Central African Republic after revealing serious human rights violations by armed groups. Reports indicated significant casualties and acts of violence, primarily targeting vulnerable communities. The UN aims to collaborate with local authorities to uphold human rights and combat impunity amidst ongoing conflict and displacement within the country.
The United Nations has called for accountability in the Central African Republic (CAR) following alarming reports of severe human rights violations perpetrated by armed groups. According to a report by the Human Rights Office and the UN mission in CAR, known as MINUSCA, ensuring accountability is essential to prevent future violations.
The report details that a minimum of 24 individuals were killed during two attacks in the Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou prefectures, with some victims reportedly facing summary executions. The armed faction known as WTA was previously associated with another armed group, Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé, which was implicated in these assaults.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated, “Armed groups…committed grave human rights violations, mainly against Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees and asylum-seekers.” He noted the documentation of sexual violence, including gang rape, torture, forced labor, and the looting of residences and businesses.
Al-Kheetan emphasized the necessity for these “horrible crimes” to remain unpunished and affirmed the UN’s commitment to collaborating with authorities to uphold human rights and combat impunity. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged clarity regarding the connections between the WTA and the army, demanding transparency in the group’s actions, adding, “If this is not possible, the group should be disarmed.”
The CAR has suffered from prolonged instability and sectarian violence, with UN reports indicating that one in five citizens have been displaced either internally or beyond the nation’s borders due to ongoing conflicts. The turmoil has severely impacted critical infrastructure, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
In light of the escalating violence, MINUSCA has stepped up efforts to safeguard civilians and assist in restoring state authority within the affected regions.
The United Nations stresses the need for accountability in the Central African Republic, highlighting a pattern of severe human rights violations by armed groups. Their commitment to work with local authorities aims to enhance human rights protections. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict continues to displace millions and devastate essential infrastructure, necessitating urgent intervention and support.
Original Source: news.az
