Overview of Human Rights in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is a constitutional republic. While the government’s respect for human rights has improved in recent years, the record still remains poor.

In recent years, the government and its citizens have been affected by insecurity and the constant threat of conflict. Soldiers had to be deployed to the north and northwest to fight banditry. These and other attacks at the hands of unnamed groups resulted in the disruption of agricultural production and the mass exodus of more than 10,000 people from the region.

An increase in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS related deaths has been linked with an increase in the number of human rights violations,  including killings; as people engage in supernatural practices aimed at alleviating the disease. Societal discrimination against children and indigenous people (Pygmies) is widespread. Poverty and widespread food shortages leading to famine also undercut the government’s ability to stabilize the region.

Police forces commit their own violations, such as torture, rape, and beatings against suspects. Politically motivated arrests often lead to prolonged pre-trial detention and the denial of a fair trial.

The government has also restricted the freedoms of movement, press and assembly on occasion.

Recently, the government began implementing a new constitution, which had earlier passed by referendum in December 2004. A zero-tolerance policy against corruption was also launched, resulting in the suspension of four judges and three ministers accused of engaging in corruption.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

172nd out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.