UN Human Rights High Commissioner Concludes His CAR Visit

The UN Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein concluded a four-day visit to the CAR where he noted the human rights situation is still a cause of anxiety for both citizens and the United Nations.

The Central African Republic has experienced more than two years of violence between Muslim and Christian militias, which has displaced nearly one million people.

Al Hussein acknowledged recent positive developments in the CAR, that include a decision to allow people who have fled to neighbouring countries to vote in elections.

SOUNDBITE (English) Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
"Like I said in my statement, we all together -all of us together- must work towards that objective, that includes citizens, civil society, that includes Government, transitional authorities, that includes the political parties, the UN in all its dimensions -all of us-, and the international community must be driven by a deep purpose. And we have to avoid criticizing each other that one group is not doing enough, that the other group is not doing enough, this won't get us very far."

He pointed out that security remains a challenge, and more than 800,000 are still displaced, more than half of them now as refugees in neighbouring countries.

The Central African Republic will hold presidential and parliamentary elections in October, a "crucial test of CAR's progress towards peace and democracy," in the words of the High Commissioner.

He also stressed he has reminded political leaders of their "large responsibility" in this process.
STORY: CAR / ZEID HUMAN RIGHTS
TRT: 00:59
SOURCE: MINUSCA
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 04 SEPTEMBER 2015, BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

SHOTLIST:

1.Exterior, pan right UN Mission building in Central African Republic
2. Med shot, dais
3. Med shot, cameramen and reporters
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
"Like I said in my statement, we all together -all of us together- must work towards that objective, that includes citizens, civil society, that includes Government, transitional authorities, that includes the political parties, the UN in all its dimensions -all of us-, and the international community must be driven by a deep purpose. And we have to avoid criticizing each other that one group is not doing enough, that the other group is not doing enough, this won't get us very far."
5. Med shot, High Commissioner listening to reporter's question
DURATION: 00:59