HRC57 - NB8 statement - Central African Republic

Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session
Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic
Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
7 October 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.

We thank the Independent Expert for his dedicated efforts and report from his important work in the Central African Republic.

We welcome the Central African Republic’s adoption of the national human rights policy. However, we remain deeply concerned about the extensive and serious human rights violations and abuses that continue to take place in the context of widespread impunity. We call on the CAR government to investigate all incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.

Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of negative social, economic, and environmental impacts while having less access to education, land and entrepreneurship, as well as access to justice.

Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread. Gender-based discrimination and exclusion from public and political life remain deeply entrenched.

As we are approaching the local elections, we call on the CAR government to hold free, transparent and fair elections ensuring that they do not lead to discrimination, exclusion or marginalization.

President,

How can the international community support the Central African Republic in ensuring full, effective, and meaningful participation of women in the upcoming elections, including as candidates for political offices?

I thank you.