UK Urges Justice and Democratic Progress in Central African Republic

The UK delivered a firm address at the UN Human Rights Council’s 59th session, pressing the Central African Republic (CAR) to pursue accountability for rights abuses and to advance its electoral and judicial framework. The statement praised progress so far but stressed more action is needed to consolidate peace and governance.

During the interactive dialogue in Geneva, the UK, speaking through its Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, welcomed CAR’s cooperation with the Council’s Independent Expert and the appointment of 11 commissioners to its Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC – the body tasked with examining past atrocities). It urged CAR to expedite the commission’s work and to bring armed-group perpetrators to justice at domestic courts.

Noting alarm at persistent reports of human rights violations across CAR, the UK called for credible local elections ahead of planned presidential and legislative polls next year. “A secure and inclusive electoral process offers an important opportunity to demonstrate commitment to democracy,” the UK representative said, posing a question to Mr Agbetse, the Independent Expert: what steps can the council take to support the timely, inclusive delivery of local elections following recent postponements?

The statement reflects broader British concerns over the durability of CAR’s governance. The UK highlighted that without judicial accountability and electoral integrity, fragile gains in stability could quickly be undone. While welcoming recent reforms, London underscored that sustained international support and technical assistance will be vital to CAR’s democratic trajectory.

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