CAR: UN backed Special Criminal Court (CSS) set-up to fight impunity

On 8 August 2014, the UN and the government of the Central African Republic signed a memorandum of understanding providing for the creation of a Special Criminal Court (CCS) composed of Central African (CAR) and international judges mandated to investigate international crimes perpetrated in CAR and bring those responsible to justice. This complementary justice mechanism is crucial both for the fight against impunity and a process of reconciliation. The Special Criminal Court will however only be created and operational once a specific law is adopted by the National Transition Council (CNT).

Following 2 missions of enquiry, FIDH and its member and partner organisations LCDH and OCDH, published two reports (see last July report entitled Central African Republic: “They must all leave or die”, answering war crimes with crimes against humanity) highlighting the war crimes and crimes against humanity and recommending the creation of such a mixed tribunal in order to fight against the impunity of these crimes. FIDH followed this with several advocacy missions before the UN, specifically setting out the need for a Special Criminal Court. FIDH will continue to pressure the CNT to now adopt the necessary legislation and urge the international community to provide the necessary funds for its rapid implementation.

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