المجلس يُجري حوارين تفاعليين مع المقرر الخاص المعني بمسألة العنصرية والخبيرة المستقلة المعنية بجمهورية أفريقيا الوسطى

Human Rights Council
AFTERNOON

24 June 2014

The Human Rights Council this afternoon held separate interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Mutuma Ruteere, and the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic, Marie-Therese Keita Bocoum.
 
Mr. Ruteere said his thematic report focused on racism on the Internet and in social media and addressed more recent manifestations of racism and hate and assessed developments in the areas of protection and prevention.  Efforts at combating the spread of racism on the Internet faced a number of legal, regulatory, technical and other practical challenges and that was why a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach was needed.  The report assessed steps taken at national, regional and international levels and how actors implemented and adapted existing legal, policy and regulatory frameworks and adopted new initiatives.  Reference was also made to a visit to Mauritania.
 
Mauritania, speaking as the concerned country, welcomed the good level of cooperation with different international human rights mechanisms and commended the Special Rapporteur for the good work done.  Mauritania was developing a policy based on equality, without making distinctions on any grounds.  Civil laws helped combat various forms of discrimination and punish slavery and slavery-like practices.  
 
The National Human Rights Commission of Mauritania also spoke. 
 
In the discussion that followed, speakers shared the concern about the potential for misuse of the Internet and social media platforms for racism and discrimination.  Technological developments had brought mutually beneficial exchanges of ideas but at the same time, some had tried to use these tools to spread hateful and discriminatory ideas.  The Internet could also be used by extremists to recruit new members and there was an urgent need to develop legislation to combat racism.  International and regional instruments provided a comprehensive framework for possible action.
 
Speaking in the discussion were the European Union, Egypt on behalf of the Arab Group, Cuba, Algeria, Republic of Korea, Turkey, United States, Sudan, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Israel, Morocco, France, Venezuela, Poland, Russia, Armenia, Brazil, Spain, Romania, Botswana, South Africa, Iran, Thailand, Latvia, and Palestine.
 
Minority Rights Group, International Lesbian and Gay Association, International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, and Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy also spoke.
 
Armenia and Azerbaijan spoke in right of reply.
 
The Council then held an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Central African Republic.  
 
Ms. Keita Bocoum said that communal violence, in particular the anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka, continued amid the State’s incapacity to assume its functions despite the support from international forces.  The civilian population, particularly Muslims, continued to be exposed to political attacks and this had been heightened by violations of fundamental rights and displacement.  Efforts to protect civilians by international forces were insufficient.  Expressions of political will by the authorities, to combat impunity and ensure the presence of the administration throughout the country, were not enough. 
 
The Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, said the preliminary report shed light on the very worrying situation on the ground in the country and emphasized that action had to be taken as soon as possible to protect the civilian population.  The weakness of the rule of law and State institutions meant there was a sense of insecurity and mistrust, exacerbating the vicious cycle of violence in the country.  This greatly undermined the possibility that elections may be held within the appropriate time frame.

In the ensuing discussion, speakers condemned the violence against civilians in the Central African Republic, particularly women and children, and expressed alarm about the systematic nature of violations committed by both parties, including killings and mutilations.  Speakers welcomed the determination of the transitional authorities to combat impunity and acknowledged the lack of resources as an obstacle.  Appeals were made to the international community to continue to mobilize in favour of the Central African Republic, as well as calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.  The focus of the international community should remain the protection of civilians.  The crisis would not be solved quickly and required a sustained response.  
 
Speaking in the discussion were European Union, Cote d’Ivoire, Spain, France, Morocco, Togo, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Germany, Angola, China, Sudan, Belgium, Algeria, Norway, Ireland, Australia, Chad, Czech Republic, Mexico, New Zealand, Romania, Estonia, Senegal, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Mali, Burkina Faso, Republic of Congo, Maldives, Niger, Benin, and United States.
 
Femmes Afrique Solidarite, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and International Federation of Human Rights also took the floor.
 
Chad spoke in right of reply.
 
The Human Rights Council will resume its work on Wednesday, 25 June, at 10 a.m., to hold an annual thematic discussion on technical cooperation, before holding an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire. 
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it the annual report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Mr. Mutuma Ruteere (A/HRC/26/49), as well as his report on combating glorification of Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (A/HRC/26/50), and on his mission to Mauritania (A/HRC/26/49/Add.1)
 
Presentation of Report by Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism
 
MUTUMA RUTEERE, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, said that his thematic report focused on racism on the Internet and in social media and addressed more recent manifestations of racism and hate and assessed development in the areas of protection and prevention.  Efforts at combating the spread of racism on the Internet faced a number of legal, regulatory, technical and other practical challenges and that was why a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach was needed.  The report assessed steps taken at national, regional and international levels and how actors implemented and adapted existing legal, policy and regulatory frameworks and adopted new initiatives such as the Rabat Plan of Action.  Civil society initiatives were essential for the prevention of the spread of hateful and racist ideas on the Internet and social media, as were the positive contributions by the private sector that had helped promote end-user empowerment and education, further policy discussions and developed monitoring and filtering software.  
 
The report on the glorification of Nazism identified the latest developments in the human rights and democratic challenges posed by neo-Nazis, skinhead groups and similar extremist ideological movements.  In the context of the current economic crisis, extremist political parties continued to make non-citizens, members of minorities, migrants, Roma, refugees and asylum seekers as scapegoats, blaming them for the society’s problems and inciting intolerance and violence against them.  Extremist political parties, movements and groups threatened democracy.  Prompt and impartial investigations were the first steps in the fight against impunity and States should criminalize the commission of offences motivated by racism or xenophobia and strengthen their law enforcement capacities.  Denials of the Holocaust were of concern and States should include the Holocaust in school curricula and promote values of equality, non-discrimination, diversity and democracy.
 
Turning to his country visit to Mauritania, the Special Rapporteur acknowledged the cooperation established with the human rights mechanisms and the progress in the implementation of some of the recommendations made by the human rights system.  A number of challenges persisted with regard to eliminating ethnic and descent-based discrimination and the marginalization of certain segments of the population.  Mauritanian society was highly stratified along ethnic and caste lines with de facto slaves and descendants of slaves assigned to the lowest status which was passed down through generations.  Bold measures and zero tolerance were urgently required to accelerate progress in the realization of an equal and diverse society based on respect for all human rights for all.  While commending achievements in reforming legislation and establishing the necessary institutions to combat discrimination and slavery-like practices, there were significant challenges related to the pace and effective implementation of the law.  As a result, many lost their confidence in those institutions and the justice system.  The recommendations contained in the report included the conduct of a baseline study on the status, root causes, manifestations and consequences of the discrimination that had scarred Mauritanian history, in order to develop against racial discrimination.
 
Statements by the Concerned Country
 
Mauritania, speaking as a concerned country, said that the Government had shared its observations with the Special Rapporteur.  Mauritania welcomed the good level of cooperation with different international human rights mechanisms and commended the Special Rapporteur for the good work done.  Mauritania was developing a policy based on equality, without making a distinction on any ground.  Civil laws helped combat various forms of discrimination and punish slavery and slavery-like practices.  Social and economic programmes by the solidarity agency worked on erasing the effects of slavery.  The marginalization of African-origin communities did not exist.  Without a distinction, they held posts of responsibility in the State administration or the Parliament.  National plans of action for the eradication of slavery and for promoting social cohesion were being implemented.  The judiciary in Mauritania was independent.  Different national languages were cherished and promoted. 
 
National Human Rights Commission of Mauritania stated that the Commission had not witnessed any massive discrimination in recent decades.  The Commission was thus perplexed by statements lacking reliability.  Historically, slavery had been practiced over all ethnic groups.  A message of social cohesion ought to be promoted in Mauritania, in which help of partners was welcome. 
 
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism
 
European Union shared the concern about the potential for misuse of the Internet and social media platforms for racism and discrimination and asked about most appropriate and effective responses to prevent the dissemination of racial and hateful messages on the Internet.  Egypt, on behalf of the Arab Group, acknowledged difficulties of addressing racism and hate on the Internet and noted that not much progress had been made in combating racism.  That was why the Human Rights Council should develop complimentary standards to the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  Cuba said that the dissemination of ideas using new technology was a challenge and States should carry out actions to restrict the use of the media and technology which was used to incite hatred.  Algeria said that new forms of racism and xenophobia thrived in the context of the current economic crises and called on States to strengthen legal measures to combat the misuse of media for racist purposes.  Republic of Korea said that it was important to note that racism and racial extremism often rose from economic discontent and that was why strengthening the economic and social rights of marginalized persons could be a way forward.  Turkey said that the situation found online was often the one existing offline as well and said that the positive role of the Internet in combating racism and racial discrimination should not be ignored.
 
United States said that technological developments had brought mutually beneficial exchanges of ideas.  At the same time, the United States noted that some had tried to use these tools to spread hateful and discriminatory ideas.  Morocco noted that social media was being used by extremist terrorist networks.  To effectively combat this phenomenon, there had to be an expanded dialogue on the subject, with awareness-raising of the danger of information communication technologies.  Belgium attached great importance to combating all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance.  It shared the view of the importance of education in combating manifestations of racism.  Israel said that the recent anti-Semitic events constituted a powerful flash warning.  It shared concern about personalities in Western Europe that promoted anti-Semitic views in public and said education on the Holocaust should be included in all curricula.  Azerbaijan said it was a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country and it was taking measures to promote this.  Azerbaijan would also support the No Hate Speech movement of the Council of Europe.  Sudan with regards to the Special Rapporteur’s visit to Mauritania, welcomed the recommendations and expressed satisfaction with regards to Mauritania’s political will to eliminate discrimination.
 
France reaffirmed its commitment against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.  Any expression of hatred had to be prosecuted under the French law.  France had set up a national action plan against racism and anti-Semitism, the main target groups of which were the youth, sports audiences and social network users. 
Venezuela said that human rights on the Internet were not contained in the Universal Declaration or Venezuela’s Constitution.  There were a number of international platforms to tackle racial hatred unleashed through the Internet.  There was clear evidence that media persons in many countries were disseminating hateful images and manipulating the public.  Poland shared concerns over the use of the Internet by extremist groups, which posed new challenges, given the rapid development of technologies.  Freedom of expression and opinion had to be preserved nonetheless, and States should not venture into censorship.  Poland was concerned over the lack of the geographic balance in Mr. Ruteere’s report.  Russia agreed that steps taken to glorify Nazi officers, such as state funerals for them, ran contrary to the spirit of human rights.  In Ukraine, a long campaign had been underway to wash some of the World War II crimes, while actions had also been taken by right-wing extremists more recently.
 
Armenia commended the efforts to address the problems of dissemination of racism and racial discrimination via the Internet and spoke of recent blatant examples of racism that permeated the sports and arts.  Brazil said technological development could enhance freedom of expression but could also be used for criminal purposes of propagating discrimination, to which migrants and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons were particularly vulnerable.  Spain said that new technologies were a challenge for everyone and shared the concern about the increase of cyber-racism and hate speech and commended the Special Rapporteur for including in his report the violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and the new forms of homophobia.  Romania considered cooperation between civil society and authorities important and agreed that private sector had a major role to play to counter racism on the Internet.  In addition, Romania also made use of its legal framework and the Council of Europe’s programme on cybercrime.  Botswana noted that the Internet could also be used by extremists to recruit new members and that there was an urgent need to develop legislation to combat racism.  Botswana asked about steps to take to establish such legal frameworks.  South Africa remained concerned that the Internet had been used to disseminate racial discrimination and incite racial hatred and concurred with the Special Rapporteur on the need to promote complementary standards to the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to address existing gaps.
 
Thailand agreed that the issue posed many complex challenges, especially on striking a balance between freedom of speech and Internet freedom.  International and regional instruments provided a comprehensive framework for possible action. 

Latvia said the rapid development of information and communications technology was transforming societies and they had capacity of positive change but also brought new challenges.  Setting criteria for defining a balance presented a fairly new and complex task.  Iran said legislative measures were central to any strategy and called upon States that had not enacted legislation to combat and prevent racial, ethnic and xenophobic hatred on the Internet and social media, to consider doing so.   Palestine regretted to inform the Council that the dissemination of racist ideas by Israeli groups and individuals on the Internet and social media was widespread.  The pervasive racism and violence displayed was dangerous and had to be stopped. 
 
Minority Rights Group said that not only extremist groups but also ordinary citizens could express racial and xenophobic hatred, being protected by anonymity and a climate of impunity.  The implementation of a holistic strategy reflecting social and legal dimensions of hate speech was needed.  International Lesbian and Gay Association was deeply concerned at the continuous, compound and multiple discrimination that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people faced because of their sexual orientation and real or perceived gender identity and expression and it was essential that States take appropriate measures.

International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism said that in Japan the issue of hate speech had been getting more serious.  The Internet had been used for disseminating discriminatory remarks, collectively attacking particular groups, including Koreans and Burakumin, and gaining more support.  International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists said that Holocaust denial should be adequately addressed especially in light of recent attacks against the Jewish community in Europe.  Just a few weeks ago, four people had been murdered in the Jewish Museum in Belgium motivated by hate and anti-Semitism.  Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy said that the caste system in India had already been recognised by the United Nations and other bodies as a form of discrimination that affected approximately 230 million people in India, who were discriminated against because they were born in the lower rungs of India’s caste system. 
 
Concluding Remarks by the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism
 
MUTUMA RUTEERE, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, said in his closing remarks that comments, suggestions and concerns expressed by the speakers would be taken into account in the future studies.  The Special Rapporteur noted the remarks concerning the need to base future studies on more data and representative data from different parts of the world.  All measures in combating racism and racial discrimination on the Internet must adhere to the principles and the framework of international human rights law.  Mr. Ruteere would look further into recent judicial rulings involving Nazi salute.  It was important to ensure that freedom of expression and opinion was protected and respected while combating racism and intolerance on the Internet and social media and said that the international human rights law provided a sufficient framework within which to draft legislation.
 
Right of Reply
 
Azerbaijan, speaking in a right of reply, said that absurd allegations against Azerbaijan only served to politicize discussions in the sessions of this Human Rights Council and it was regrettable that Armenia continued to use this platform for their groundless statements.  Azerbaijan was a multi-cultural and tolerant society which valued dialogue.  Armenia should come up with the account of responsibilities they owed to Azerbaijan as a result of aggression.
 
Armenia, speaking in a right of reply, said absurd information had been mentioned by Azerbaijan and that Azerbaijan had responded to a question by the Special Rapporteur, not Armenia.  Armenia gave another example of discrimination by Azerbaijan in sports. 
 
Azerbaijan, speaking in a second right of reply, said that it was unfortunate that Armenia had again used the opportunity of this debate for groundless propagandistic statements.  It was curious that the country that did not answer to a number of questions to previous debates at this session had the cheek to request information on absurd accusations.
 
Armenia, speaking in a second right of reply, said Azerbaijan was reluctant to address intolerance in its society.  Armenia had not expected any other reaction from Azerbaijan.   
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it the report of the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic, Ms. Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum (A/HRC/26/53)
 
Presentation by the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic
 
MARIE THERESE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, said that the report built on the oral update presented to the Council on 25 March and provided some observations and recommendations on the basis of the analysis of collected information and Ms. Keita Bochum’s interaction with relevant parties.  Inter-communal violence, in particular the anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka, continued amid the State’s incapacity to assume its functions despite the support from international forces.  The civilian population, particularly Muslims, continued to be exposed to political attacks and this had been heightened by violations to fundamental rights and displacement.  Efforts to protect civilians by international forces were insufficient as demonstrated by recent attacks against Christian and Muslim populations, the proliferation of banditry, and other forms of violence, including the recent execution of a pregnant woman.  The rare stabilisation recently seen in Bangui had been shaken by the assassination of three Muslim youths during a religious celebration.  Expressions of political will by the authorities, to combat impunity and ensure the presence of the administration throughout the country, were not enough.  Among other challenges, the lack of resources, including the lack of security for magistrates, tribunals and public infrastructure, persisted.  Ms. Keita Bochum hoped that the recent sanctions imposed by the Security Council on certain leaders and the work of an international commission of inquiry would have a dissuasive effect on the behaviour of militias and other armed groups.
 
The Constitutional transition charter had allowed the authorities to begin the restoration of territorial administration.  The Government had started putting in place a plan of action and initiatives were underway in all the regions.  It was necessary to find solutions within the country.  The Prime Minister had launched a disarmament programme which constituted an encouraging step.  Today, available information suggested that the circulation of weapons and the presence of armed groups continued to pose significant challenges.  A high-level political dialogue, including the transition authorities, relevant parties, and representatives of different communities, with the support of international authorities, constituted one possible way forward toward the cessation of hostilities.  The deployment of a United Nations mission constituted a decisive turning point in the mobilisation of multidimensional responses in response to the complex situation faced by the Central African Republic.  It should count with the necessary capacity and resources to implement its mandate and to achieve the objectives in cooperation with the transitional authorities, international forces, and the United Nations country team.  Its human rights component should be rapidly and effectively put in place in order to establish an effective monitoring and early warning system capable of accompanying efforts to restore the State’s authority, the rule of law, the fight against impunity, and the promotion and protection of human rights.
 
Statement by the Concerned Country
 
Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, said the preliminary report shed light on the very worrying situation on the ground in the country and emphasized that action had to be taken as soon as possible to protect the civilian population.  The weakness of the rule of law and State institutions meant there was a sense of insecurity and mistrust, exacerbating the vicious cycle of violence in the country.  This greatly undermined the possibility that elections may be held within the appropriate time frame.  There were grave obstacles because of lack of funding and public infrastructure and, when it came to deploying government representatives, it had been caught behind.  The visit of the Special Rapporteur was welcomed and an appeal was made to the international community to do everything it could to save the Central African Republic.
 
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic
 
Côte d’Ivoire expressed deep concern when faced with the serious human rights violations mentioned in the report.  However it welcomed initiatives taken by the authorities aimed at intercommunity reconciliation and efforts to put in place basic infrastructure.  Spain said that although the number of rapes and murders had decreased, they continued to remain high.  It was very worrying that there was no access to health as health centres were being destroyed throughout the country.   European Union was concerned about insecurity which had an impact on the human rights situation in the country, and by the grave violations of international humanitarian law.  What tangible measures could be taken by the international community?  France welcomed recent progress on human rights in the Central African Republic.  However, France continued to be concerned about grave human rights violations, with children being particularly vulnerable and victims of armed groups.  Countering impunity was an absolute priority.
 
Morocco agreed that the weakness of State institutions and of the rule of law meant that an atmosphere of fear prevailed in the country.  Morocco welcomed the determination of the transitional authorities to combat impunity and acknowledged the lack of resources as an obstacle.  Togo said that despite the numerous initiatives taken by the transitional authorities and the international community, many violations of human rights and the law were still taking place in the Central African Republic.  Disarmament and demobilization were key, said Togo.  The Organization of Islamic Cooperation said it was crucial that the State functioned normally and that it took the needs of the population to heart, such as their humanitarian needs, protection of human rights, fight against impunity, protection of minorities and creation of conditions for return.  Germany was alarmed about the systematic nature of violations committed by both parties, including killings and mutilations, and called on the transitional Government to start a reconciliation process at the national and local levels and to draft a national plan of action to this effect.  Angola said that the dialogue between stakeholders was needed to ensure the return of peace and order to the Central African Republic and stressed the need for the long-term engagement of the international community to overcome this crisis.  China condemned violence against civilians, particularly women and children, and expressed its support for the African Union and regional mechanisms to help solve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
 
Sudan was closely following developments in the Central African Republic and was ready to present its support and whatever was needed to resolve the ongoing crisis.  Sudan believed that the transitional Government should be provided with all the necessary international support.  Belgium was very concerned by the climate of impunity, where international humanitarian law was breached by all parties.  Perpetrators of all crimes should be brought to justice, which was something the International Criminal Court should look into.  Algeria said that the worsening of the security situation was a major source of concern. 

Providing for the needs of the displaced population should be addressed with utmost priority.  Norway said that the Independent Expert was doing very important work in challenging circumstances.  Lawlessness and retaliation were at the core of the spiral of violence in the Central African Republic.  Special efforts should be made to protect children and those most vulnerable.  Ireland shared Ms. Keita Bocoum’s concerns about the effects of the ongoing violence on the social fabric of the country.  Communities were unable to access basic services because of the fear of attack.  All groups had to refrain from recruiting children into their armed forces.  Australia called on the transitional authorities to do all they could to end the culture of impunity for those responsible for violations.  More than half the population now needed assistance.  Australia welcomed the new peacekeeping mission’s mandate to protect human rights.
 
Chad said that a return to stability and security was essential and appealed to the international community to provide the Central African Republic with the necessary assistance to bring about conditions to establish peace and security for all.  Czech Republic said that people were still being killed in the Central African Republic because of their religion or tribal association and asked the Independent Expert about the situation in rural areas and about the cooperation of the Government with the truth and reconciliation experts.  Mexico reiterated concern about the human rights situation in the country, particularly considering the sectarian and inter-religious nature of the violence, and said that there was enough evidence to assume that both parties to the conflict had committed serious and grave violations of human rights.  Mexico asked about measures that could contribute to the cessation of violence and promote reconciliation.  New Zealand recognized the extreme humanitarian and human rights crisis in the Central African Republic and said that it was horrified by the level of violence committed and particularly its inter-communal nature.  Romania said that the fight against impunity and the establishment of accountability must be the priority of the transitional authorities and asked what could be done to extend the reach of transitional authorities beyond the capital.  Estonia was taking part in protecting civilians on the ground in the Central African Republic and stressed that an effective fight against impunity required assistance to strengthen the judiciary and improve places of detention. 
 
Senegal said the situation continued to be of great concern to the international community.  Senegal appealed to the international community to continue to mobilize in favour of the Central African Republic and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.  Burkina Faso noted the progress made.  However, there were still very many violations being committed and challenges before a return to normality could be seen. The most important seemed to be restoring the authority of the State, impunity and humanitarian assistance.  United Kingdom remained extremely concerned about the grave security and humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic.  The focus of the international community should remain the protection of civilians.  The crisis would not be solved quickly and required a sustained response. 

Switzerland shared the concerns and deplored the difficulties with the distribution of humanitarian and food aid to the rightful beneficiaries, and among numerous violations of human rights and humanitarian law against the civilian population.  What measures could be taken by the international community?  Mali supported relevant recommendations made, including those calling on the political parties and the Government to take every measure to ensure a better national reconciliation strategy.  The international community should do more to assist the civilian population.
 
Republic of Congo said that the overall situation remained precarious, with women and girls paying the highest price.  The transitional Government was making laudable efforts, but it had great needs and had to be supported by the international community.  Maldives urged all parties in the country to engage constructively with United Nations human rights mechanisms.  Maldives condemned the level of criminal impunity by many perpetrators, but understood that that was a long and difficult process for a country in such a dire crisis.  Niger stressed that measures had to be taken to punish the perpetrators of violations from all groups.  It was important to restore the authority of the State and re-establish basic public service to end the suffering of the people.  Benin supported initiatives to restore justice and establish an inquiry team, as well as activities on local and national reconciliation.  The international community had to extend its full support to the Central African Republic, which was being torn apart by the fratricidal conflict. 

United States supported further trips of Ms. Keita Bocoum to the Central African Republic.  The United States also believed that perpetrators of crimes had to be prosecuted, and hoped that steps would be taken to ensure public support for reconciliation activities. 
 
Femmes Afrique Solidarité said that security and public order, the food crisis, the return of displaced persons, and the situation of women presented challenges that the Government could not address alone.  It was imperative that States stepped up their financial contributions and accompanied national efforts.  Human Rights Watch stressed the need for security and urgent protection from attacks, which required continued monitoring; law, order and justice, including the documentation of present and past abuses, were also necessary for a sustainable peace.  Amnesty International was concerned about instances in which the International Support Mission had failed to act promptly to protect civilians, while in others some of its contingents had allegedly committed violations with impunity.  International Federation for Human Rights said that from a security point of view the situation was worsening, despite the presence of international troops.  Reinforcing the Mission should be a priority and, before the deployment of the multidimensional United Nations mission, this reinforcement was urgent to allow for a real protection of civilians. 
 
MARIE-THERESE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, said that security had to be provided for prisons and courts, while relevant forces had to be trained.  It had to be ensured that people did not stay in prisons indefinitely, while technical cooperation had to be boosted, so that reinforcements from outside could arrive and become immediately operational.  They could not wait until all the judges were trained; security had to be restored as soon as possible.  It was very important to encourage reconciliation, which had to be supported by the existing and new, enhanced means.  It was a good idea to replicate examples of successful dialogues and reconciliation.
 
Disarmament of the population could be achieved, while it should be ensured that young people did not remain unoccupied.  Civilian and military measures were being taken in the preparation of deployment of the new peacekeeping mission MINUSCA.  The authority of the State throughout the country should be re-established.  The international community had to have mechanisms on the ground to dissuade the population from further conflicts. 
 
Right of Reply

Chad, speaking in a right of reply, responded to the statement made by Amnesty International suggesting that Chadian members of the International Support Mission had fired at a crowd in a market.  Chad indicated that the anti-Balaka from the North had informed those in Bangui that they would be ambushed and, having been caught in this ambush, the Chadian troops had fired in legitimate defence.
  _________

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