CIVICUS discusses the current crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) with an activist and human rights defender who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
The CAR is facing rising risks of human rights crimes in a context of increasing violence. Since December 2020, clashes between the rebel Coalition of Patriots for Change and government forces have led to numerous human rights violations, including abductions, forced recruitment of children, killings and sexual violence. The United Nations has documented serious abuses by both sides, including summary executions and attacks targeting ethnic groups. The presence of foreign fighters and armed groups using the CAR as a base of operations has further destabilised the security situation.
