Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been engulfed in violent armed conflict since 2013, and conflict-related insecurity has left women and girls vulnerable to forced marriage, abduction, and especially sexual and gender-based violence; according to the International Development Monitoring Centre, 68% of girls in CAR are married before the age of eighteen. Women in the CAR continue to be largely excluded from peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts and have even been subjected to violence perpetrated by UN peacekeepers. Deployed in April 2014, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)is mandated to protect women, monitor and report on violations against women, adhere to the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, ensure women’s full participation in conflict resolution and elections, and incorporate gender as a cross-cutting issue. To further this progress, based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for more thorough monitoring of UN peacekeepers in CAR to ensure that no exploitation and abuse occurs on their watch.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been engulfed in violent armed conflict since 2013, and conflict-related insecurity has left women and girls vulnerable to forced marriage, abduction, and especially sexual and gender-based violence; according to the International Development Monitoring Centre, 68% of girls in CAR are married before the age of eighteen.
Women in the CAR continue to be largely excluded from peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts and have even been subjected to violence perpetrated by UN peacekeepers. Deployed in April 2014, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is mandated to protect women, monitor and report on violations against women, adhere to the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, ensure women’s full participation in conflict resolution and elections, and incorporate gender as a cross-cutting issue. To further this progress, based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for more thorough monitoring of UN peacekeepers in CAR to ensure that no exploitation and abuse occurs on their watch.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Chad / Central African Republic (May 2010)
After a rollover in March 2010, the mandate for MINURCAT expires on 15 May. Concerns for women’s safety should be central to the forthcoming discussions, particularly as there is near impunity for sexual violence committed by Chadian and Sudanese armed opposition groups, bandits and members of the Chadian security forces. A withdrawal of the mission or a change in its mandate could gravely endanger the rights and security of women in the area. MINUCAT’s mandate and the levels of UN troops in the country must be appropriate to maintain protection activities. Specific entry points include:
- Renewing MINURCAT’s mandate and authorize its continued deployment as per the Council’s original plan in SCR 1861;
- Reflecting realistic assessments of the situation on the ground, phasing down the Mission’s operations should only be considered after key benchmarks the Secretary-General (outlined in his December 2008 report to the Council) are achieved;
- Ensuring women’s participation in all aspects of planning, implementation and programming, including location and frequency of security patrols, education and livelihood opportunities, and reproductive health services.
- Ensuring monitoring and evaluation procedures address human rights violations, especially violence against women and girls inside and outside of refugee camps, including increased resources for services for survivors.
After a rollover in March 2010, the mandate for MINURCAT expires on 15 May. Concerns for women’s safety should be central to the forthcoming discussions, particularly as there is near impunity for sexual violence committed by Chadian and Sudanese armed opposition groups, bandits and members of the Chadian security forces. A withdrawal of the mission or a change in its mandate could gravely endanger the rights and security of women in the area. MINUCAT’s mandate and the levels of UN troops in the country must be appropriate to maintain protection activities. Specific entry points include:
- Renewing MINURCAT’s mandate and authorize its continued deployment as per the Council’s original plan in SCR 1861;
- Reflecting realistic assessments of the situation on the ground, phasing down the Mission’s operations should only be considered after key benchmarks the Secretary-General (outlined in his December 2008 report to the Council) are achieved;
- Ensuring women’s participation in all aspects of planning, implementation and programming, including location and frequency of security patrols, education and livelihood opportunities, and reproductive health services.
- Ensuring monitoring and evaluation procedures address human rights violations, especially violence against women and girls inside and outside of refugee camps, including increased resources for services for survivors.
Relevant Resources
