Central African Republic (S/2013/692)

This report, which covered the period from 3 May to 31 July 2013, provided an update on the situation in the Central African Republic and the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA). It was composed of the following sections: Introduction, Update on major developments, and Observations. On the political front, despite some progress, there was no agreement yet on how to ensure full representation in the transitional institutions as well as on how to implement the Libreville Agreements to achieve a political solution in the CAR. The document also reported on some progress that has been achieved in the security realm as well as the challenges that remain. Finally, the report affirmed that during the reporting period, human rights violations became more widespread including: arbitrary arrests and detention, sexual violence against women and children, torture, rape, targeted killings, recruitment of child soldiers and attacks.

There were several noteworthy references to the women, peace and security agenda in terms of both, women’s protection and participation concerns. The report noted that UNHCR reported 1,408 cases of gender-based violence and the fact that there wais a need for access to care for gender-based violence survivors. At the same time, the report also noted that there wais a need for increased representation of women’s organizations, as it remained weak despite the fact that the three women ministers are representatives of civil society.  The report also discussed women’s human rights violations including sexual violence against them and the fact that women and children are the most affected by the crisis, suffering from injuries and killings. Further, the Secretary-General went on to reference a prayer meeting organized by women’s groups in Bangui on the theme “Peace, security, welfare and tolerance between Christians and Muslims.” Finally, there were several references to both civil society and human rights in this report.

Despite the previously discussed mentions of women, peace and security, the Secretary-General failed to provide sex-disaggregated data, particularly in regards to important statistics such as the cases of malnutrition, access to assistance, food and services. This report also failed to reflect the differentiated humanitarian needs between women, men, girls and boys. Furthermore, there was no gender lens when security sector reform or disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration processes were discussed, and there was no consideration of female combatants. Finally, the report could have offered more emphasis on women’s political participation and their involvement in security and the rule of law.