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UN human rights chief calls for restoration of law in CAR

16 April 2013 22:39 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Tuesday condemned widespread human rights violations in the Central African Republic (CAR) and called for the urgent restoration of law in the country, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

In a statement, Pillay said more than 20 people are reported to have been killed in Bangui alone over the weekend, noting that at least 119 people were killed since Seleka, a rebel coalition took power on March 24.

There are various different groups accused of extortion and of looting of private and public property, including hospitals and health care facilities.

"We have also received reports of 19 cases of sexual violence against women and girls in the town of Berberati as well as three in Bangui," Pillay said.

She pointed out that the extensive looting of humanitarian aid agency offices and warehouses, and said the disruption of vital humanitarian aid were "totally unacceptable."

She added, "The current state of lawlessness, verging on anarchy, must not be allowed to continue, the rule of law must be restored and perpetrators of abuses held accountable."

"I call on all parties involved in the crisis to ensure the effective implementation of the Libreville Peace Agreements and to make a serious joint effort to put an end to the prevailing insecurity and violence plaguing the country," Pillay said.

She also urged the newly established National Transitional Council to move quickly to restore the authority of the state and to take all necessary measures to ensure that civilians were protected.