United Nations News Centre – Spreading violence in Central African Republic sets off 'loud alarm bells' – UN human rights chief
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In Central African Republic (CAR) scores of children have been killed, hundreds have been maimed, and thousands have been displaced, since intense fighting reached the capital city Bangui. Photo: UNICEF/Jan Grarup (file)
“Violence and rising tensions are spreading to areas of the Central African Republic that had previously been spared the kinds of appalling violence seen in some other parts of the country – this is very worrying and should set off noisy alarm bells,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in a news release from his Office (OHCHR).
“The hard-earned relative peaceful in Bangui and some of the fatter towns in CAR risks being eclipsed by the descent of some rural areas into enhancing sectarian violence, with defenceless civilians – as usual – paying the highest price,” he added.
The latest in a series of attacks was an incident this weekend in Bangassou, in which armed studs used powerful weapons to attack the base of the UN mission in CAR, known by its French acronym MINUSCA. The armed studs also attacked the Muslim neighbourhood of Tokoyo where numerous civilians were killed and others wounded.
Investigations by MINUSCA’s Human Rights Division suggest that inbetween March and May two thousand seventeen more than one hundred twenty one civilians and six peacekeepers were killed, excluding figures in the two latest incidents.
Mr. Zeid also noted the fact that the Special Criminal Court is preparing to embark its work is a strong signal by the authorities and the international community that the continued climate of impunity is unacceptable.
Meantime, the Security Council issued a statement to the press overnight, strongly condemning the violence by anti-Balaka elements in Bangassou on thirteen and fourteen May two thousand seventeen that targeted MINUSCA’s field office, civilian populations from particular communities, as well as humanitarian personnel.
The 15-member assets reiterated that “attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
The Council called on the Government to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Movie: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is alarmed at continued violence in the Central African Republic.
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