STATEMENT by a Russian representative on the Central African Republic at the 54th Session of the UN HRC

Statement by a Russian representative during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic, 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

(October 10, 2023, Geneva)

The human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) continues to be affected by security challenges, the most pressing of which is the threat of numerous illegal armed groups. They control the "grey zones", where attacks on the populated areas are carried out with rampant violence and lawlessness.

Our concerns include cases of ill-treatment, sexual violence and recruitment of minors by illegal armed groups, as well as exploitation of children for free labor.

We are alarmed by the actions of external forces that continue to sponsor extremists. We consider them unacceptable, as they exacerbate the already difficult situation in the country.

We are convinced that normalizing the situation in the country and conducting investigations into human rights violations should fall within the competence of the official CAR authorities. The international community is called upon to provide its utmost unbiased assistance, taking into account the national, historical, ethnic, religious and cultural peculiarities of the country.

For our part, we will continue to support the Republic, including its supply with humanitarian aid. Russian instructors are successfully working in the country, operating there in response to a request from the official authorities. The campaign to discredit them, as well as overall attempts to shift the blame for human rights violations on the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic and bilateral partners are not supported by any reliable facts.