Ban Urges Respect For Human Rights

Ban Urges Respect For Human Rights After Reported Attacks In Central African Republic

New York, May 1 2009 4:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for the respect of human rights and the rule of law in the Central African Republic (CAR), following reports of deadly attacks by Government troops on civilians in the Ndele region of the country.

“The Secretary-General is concerned about any developments that could undermine the ongoing peace consolidation process in the CAR,” UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters in New York today.

“He views respect for human rights as a critical element for sustainable peace in the CAR. He, therefore, remains concerned about reports of alleged human rights violations in the country.”

Media reports say that CAR troops killed up to 30 civilians in February to deter rebels in the strife-torn and impoverished nation.

Last month the Security Council demanded an end to violence by armed groups terrorizing northern CAR and called for all parties in the country to abide by the results of a recent national dialogue.

The dialogue, held in the capital Bangui from 8 to 20 December 2008, resulted in several agreements, including the establishment of a broad-based government, a commitment to hold municipal, legislative and presidential elections in 2009 and 2010, and the setting up of an independent electoral commission.

ENDS

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