Topic: The Situation in the Central African Republic
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Reuben Glasser
School: Kalamazoo Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United Kingdom position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
Conflict has plagued Central African Republic for years. Anti-balaka and Seleka forces have been the major proponents of this war causing much unrest in CAR, and making the region extremely volatile. With the removal of French troops last year the situation has only escalated. Murders, Kidnapping, torture, sexual violence, and recruitment of child soldiers has become altogether too common. The placement of UN troops has descalated some conflicts but has also contained drawbacks. Sexual assault allegations involving UN peacekeeping forces, EU and French forces, and AU forces have been persistent. Along with these allegations, 60,000 cases of gender-based violence were reported to humanitarian agencies in 2015. To combat these atrocities we have supported the placement of UN peacekeeping forces along with the EU Military Advisory Mission (which has supplied the Central African government with top of the line advice on military reform, diplomatic support, and financial means to MINUSCA). We also remain one of the largest humanitarian donors to CAR, providing nearly £58 million of support through NGOs and our government pledging £25 million in aid (this year) to CAR and CAR refugees. Much growth has come with this support, including peaceful democratic elections the creation of the Special Criminal Court in CAR. Despite these achievements human rights violations of the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) occur on a regular basis, and without reparations. Unrest in the political climate has rendered security sector reform stagnant and allegations of sexual assault by UN peacekeeping forces undermined the UN’s ability to lead change (that is not to undercut the seriousness of these assault allegations UN troops are there to support the community not be part of the presence that degrades it). The lack of infrastructure in CAR also is a major issue when delivering aid, with only 2.7% of all roads in CAR being paved NGOs are hard pressed to mobilize outside of the capital. To further support CAR we must work with the new government and support their forces with UN peacekeepers. CAR is in desperate need of humanitarian aid and investment in both their infrastructure and communities. UN peacekeeper’s mission to involve ex-Seleka and ex-Antibalaka troops in building roads and infrastructure remain fundamental for CAR’s future and will play a major role in this state’s development.
