UPR CAR Report.pdf

The Central African Republic maintains the death penalty, although it hasn't been executed since 1981, and a bill for its abolition was drafted in 2012 but not introduced due to rebellion. Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances continue, with rebel groups and law enforcement officials implicated. Torture is criminalized but lacks a definition in the Criminal Code, and cases persist. Impunity prevails, with some rebel leaders given government positions, and the National Human Rights Commission lacks necessary resources. Detention conditions are poor, with time limits for custody and pre-trial detention not respected. The judiciary is not independent, with executive interference and corruption suspected. Human rights defenders work in difficult conditions without legal protection, and a bill for their protection is being discussed. Recommendations include abolishing the death penalty, investigating extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, defining torture in the Criminal Code, fighting impunity, improving detention conditions, strengthening the judiciary, and protecting human rights defenders.