The UN Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), Aristide Nononsi, expressed concern June 1 about the persistent violence in the country, and its impacts on rights and humanitarian needs.
Reporting on his visit to the CAR, Nononsi noted that despite the mostly peaceful electoral process that took place in December, the country continues to face instability due to attacks by armed groups against civilians, tensions involving nomadic pastoral communities, and spillover consequences of the conflict in Sudan. The reported attacks include forced displacements, extortion, and conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls.
The UN expert called on authorities to bring the perpetrators of rights violations to justice, and urged international partners to back CAR authorities’ efforts in combating violence and restoring security. He commended the significant role played by the Special Criminal Courtand called for its increased independence, as well as providing more support for national human rights institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission and the Truth, Justice, Reparations & Reconciliation Commission (CVJRR).
During his visit to the CAR, Nononsi met with senior representatives of the country’s authorities, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. He will present his detailed findings and recommendations in a full report to the UN Human Rights Council.
The Central African Republic has been struggling with an internal conflict between armed groups and government forces, in addition to general poverty and escalating climate hazards. In March 2025, the UN reported grave human rights violations committed by armed groups against civilians, which included torture, looting, and sexual violence against women and girls. The attacks in Haut Oubangui region, in the southeast of the country, mainly targeted Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees and asylum-seekers.
From JURIST, June 2. Used with permission.
Note: The report comes nine years after a peace accord that officially put an end to the CAR’s internal conflict.
Map via Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection
