CAR sets up anti-genocide committee

The government of the Central African Republic on Thursday launched a national committee for the prevention and punishment of crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and all forms of discrimination, an initiative aimed at helping the beleaguered nation to turn the page from its recent turmoil.

The structure will among others, contribute to the strengthening of national reconciliation, but also to identify early warnings of communal violence.

The CAR has been immersed into turmoil since the fall of former president Francois Bozize. Violence between the Christian Anti-Balaka and Muslim Seleka militia left several people dead and many displaced.

“We need to keep a fundamental aspect which is the respect for rule of law. It has been a long time since we enforced respect for human rights and long time since we do not fight impunity. We need to ensure that the mistakes from the past are not repeated,” said UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng.

Members of the newly installed committee underwent training by legal experts from all backgrounds, from May 17 to 19.

“I want to reiterate in the name of the United Nations family; our engagement is to aid your initiative which will without any doubt put your country on the way to sustainable development,” added Dieng.

The group is made up of 36 members from the government, civil society, women’s associations, youth and religious leaders.

Reuters