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The Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Dr. Walter Kälin, reported today on the official visit he undertook to the Central African Republic on 24 February 2007.

Conclusions and Recommendations Report forthcoming

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"Only by renouncing violence, fighting against the prevailing impunity, and engaging in a constructive dialogue can an end be put to the serious violations of human rights suffered by persons displaced by the conflict in the north of the Central African Republic," Mr. Kälin concluded today.

Following a one week visit , the Representative noted that a large number of displaced persons, whose villages have been burnt down by security forces, have been forced to seek refuge in the bush in great distress. They lack adequate shelter, access to drinking water, and to medical services; their children cannot enjoy their right to education; and, most of all, they live in a state of permanent insecurity. The Representative expressed his concern over the extreme level of destitution as this serious protection crisis could rapidly turn into a humanitarian crisis that could easily spiral out of control. In both Bangui and the Prefectures of Ouham and Ouham Pendé, the Representative met with governmental authorities, representatives of civil society and international organizations represented in the Central African Republic, as well as with numerous victims of displacement.

The Representative was pleased to note the willingness of the President of the Republic, Mr. François Bozizé Yangouvonda, to pursue dialogue with the parties to the conflict and shared his opinion that arms alone will not lead to a solution. He called on all actors to fully respect their obligations under relevant international law and reminded the Government that the protection of the population is primarily the responsibility of the authorities of the country.

In addition, Mr. Kälin urged the humanitarian community to assist the Central African Republic in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian and protection needs of this vulnerable group, in particular by significantly strengthening their presence in the field.

Finally, bearing in mind that durable solutions to the crisis can not be found without addressing the fundamental issues of underdevelopment and the marginalization of a certain part of the population, Mr. Kälin called on donors to engage actively, and without delay, in an ambitious development programme in the north of the country.