Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 45th Session

Universal Periodic Review of the Central African Republic

26 January 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President

Australia welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Central African Republic and thanks them for the presentation of their national report.

Australia welcomes the Central African Republic’s abolition of the death penalty since its last review.

However, Australia remains concerned by security conditions in the Central African Republic, which continue to hamper humanitarian relief efforts; create permissive conditions for violent attacks on civilians, including unlawful killings, arbitrary detention and widespread gender-based violence; and cause large-scale displacement within and beyond its borders.

Australia recommends the Central African Republic:

1. Ensure access for humanitarian agencies and organisations in order to meet people’s critical needs.
2. Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
3. Reform the security and justice sectors by building capacity through improved training, discipline and command.