Human Rights Expert Accuses UN Peacekeepers of Violations in Central African Republic
An independent investigator has accused U.N. peacekeeping forces and Russian mercenaries of human rights violations in the Central African Republic. Yao Agbetse emphasized that both MINUSCA and the Wagner Group are implicated in serious allegations, including sexual abuse. The U.N. has committed to investigating these violations and maintaining assistance for affected individuals, as the country continues to face significant conflict and poverty.
BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — An independent investigator has accused United Nations peacekeeping forces and Russian mercenaries of perpetrating human rights violations in the Central African Republic. Human rights lawyer and expert Yao Agbetse highlighted the grave concerns regarding these violations, which implicate not only the Central African armed forces and their Russian associates from the Wagner Group, but also MINUSCA, the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the region.
During a press conference in Bangui, Agbetse emphasized, “MINUSCA contingents are among the actors on the ground who sometimes commit violations. There have been reports of sexual abuse and exploitation by a number of contingents.” He further noted the persistent evidence of wrongdoing associated with Russian military operations, urging authorities to pursue appropriate measures to address these issues.
Agbetse concluded his visit to the country—which aimed to evaluate the human rights conditions—and plans to present a comprehensive report to the U.N. Human Rights Council in September. The alarming prevalence of sexual exploitation and abuse has been labeled “unacceptable” by local authorities.
Florence Marchal, a spokesperson for the MINUSCA mission, asserted the U.N.’s commitment to thoroughly investigating these allegations. She stated, “The U.N. mission reaffirms that all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable… Every allegation received by MINUSCA is rigorously investigated, and when the facts are proven, exemplary sanctions are applied.”
Despite its rich mineral resources, the Central African Republic remains one of the world’s poorest nations. The country has endured ongoing conflict since 2013, initiated by a takeover of power by predominantly Muslim rebel groups. While some Wagner Group forces have allegedly prevented rebels from overrunning the capital, their presence raises concerns about human rights violations in the country.
In summary, the allegations against U.N. peacekeepers and Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic highlight severe human rights violations, including sexual abuse and exploitation. An independent expert’s claims underscore the need for accountability and thorough investigations into these serious accusations. As the situation unfolds, the response of the U.N. and local authorities will be crucial in addressing these pressing concerns.
Original Source: winnipegsun.com
