Human Rights Council - 27th Regular Session
Item 10
Interactive Dialogue with Independent Expert on Central African Republic
Statement by Australia
25 September 2014
Australia thanks the Independent Expert for her ongoing work in relation to the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic.
Australia remains deeply concerned by the ongoing human rights violations in the Central African Republic. We call on all parties to the conflict to fully implement the commitments made under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in Brazzaville on 23 July 2014.
It is imperative that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses are held accountable for their actions. An end to the prevailing culture of impunity is an essential prerequisite for achieving peace, security and stability in the Central African Republic.
Australia calls on the Transitional Authorities, in conjunction with its international partners, to accelerate efforts towards comprehensive political dialogue and national reconciliation.
We continue to urge the full and equal participation of women in this process. Having borne a disproportionate burden in the conflict in the Central African Republic and the humanitarian crisis it created, women must have a key role in bringing it to an end.
In this context, we would be interested in recommendations from the Independent Expert on the best way to ensure the full participation of women in the reconciliation process.