Violence and Abuse Wreak Havoc in Central African Republic

GENEVA - A human rights lawyer appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council reported to the body Friday that the war-torn Central African Republic’s civilian population is being battered by both armed groups and security forces meant to protect them.

The Central African Republic has been in turmoil since rebels overthrew the government in 2013, displacing 1.2 million people. Togolese human rights lawyer Yao Agbetse was appointed by the U.N. council in 2019 to monitor and report on the human rights situation in the C.A.R. He says the Coalition of Patriots for Change, a collection of major rebel groups, has intensified its attacks against the civilian population since March.   He accuses the CPC of recruiting child soldiers, committing sexual violence and murders, illegal taxation, destruction and looting of property, and occupation of schools.  He says action is being taken to hold them to account.  He speaks through an interpreter "Most of the leaders and members of the CPC are on the list of sanctions from the Security Council concerning the CAR," Agbetse said. "The Security Council and the international community as a whole is taking the appropriate steps to ensure that these individuals can be held accountable to violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.”