MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in the Central African Republic
10.9.2013 - (2013/2823(RSP))
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure
Charles Tannock, Adam Bielan on behalf of the ECR Group
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0399/2013
B7‑0399/2013
European Parliament resolution on the situation in the Central African Republic
The European Parliament,
- having regard to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations (UN);
- having regard to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement signed in June 2000;
- having regard to the European Parliament legislative resolution of 19 April 2012 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Central African Republic on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the European Union (FLEGT) (14034/2011 – C7-0046/2012 – 2011/0127(NLE));
- having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 15th January 2013 (2013/2514(RSP));
- having regard to the Statement of 21st April 2013 by the Spokesperson of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Commission Vice-President (HRVP) Catherine Ashton on the situation in Central Africa;
- having regard to the Statement of 21 December 2012 by Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva on the new outbreak of conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR);
- having regard to Rule 122(5) of its Rules of Procedure;
A. Whereas the Central African Republic (CAR) has faced decades of instability and political unrest since it gained independence in 1960; whereas, despite the fact that it is a country rich in natural resources (timber, gold, diamonds, uranium, etc), the CAR ranks only 179th out of 187 in terms of its Human Development Index and, with around 70 % of its population living below the poverty line, remains one of the poorest countries in the world;
B. Whereas on 24th March 2013 the ‘Seleka’ rebel coalition (meaning ‘coalition’ in Sango), an alliance of various rebel armed movements originating predominantly in the north-east of the country, ousted President François Bozizé;
C. Whereas President Michel Djotodia was sworn in on 18th August 2013 and mandated to conclude the transition to a democratically elected government within 18 months;
D. Whereas the Seleka have committed serious crimes against civilians including summary executions, rape, and torture in addition to widespread looting;
E. Whereas basic infrastructure including schools, businesses and private homes continue to be pillaged by the Seleka;
F. Whereas on 29th August 2013 5,000 residents of Bangui took refuge at the city's airport following attempts by Séléka to "disarm" Bozizé troops in the Boy-Rabe neighbourhood resulting in further civilian casualties;
G. Whereas respect for human rights is a fundamental value of the European Union and represents an essential element of the Cotonou Agreement;
1. Condemns all violations of human rights and is deeply concerned by the serious human rights violations perpetrated by the Seleka; strongly condemns the attacks against civilian populations, particularly the cases of physical and sexual violence, looting and the systematic destruction of basic infrastructure;
2. Calls on the ruling parties to strive to ensure the safety and security of the civilian population;
3. Calls for thorough investigations and prosecutions of all persons deemed responsible for the recent abuses, including Seleka members, in accordance with internationally accepted norms of criminal law and due process;
4. Is deeply concerned by the effects of the recent crisis on the humanitarian situation in the country; calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to allow safe and unhindered access by humanitarian agencies to affected populations; calls on the Commission to step up its humanitarian aid efforts in the CAR;
5. Reaffirms its support for the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) that was established in order to strengthen the action already being carried out by the Central African states;
6. Believes that the transition to an elected government will be extremely difficult if the current situation continues and fears that CAR risks becoming another failed state;
7. Calls therefore on the EU and the UN to support the stabilisation efforts in order to support a timely political transition in accordance with the international community’s expectations, better ensure respect for human rights and improve humanitarian access to the population;
8. Welcomes the initiatives of the Economic Community of Central African States and the AU to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the Central African Republic;
9. Is particularly worried by reports indicating an increase in the recruitment and use of child soldiers; reiterates its strong opposition to these practices and calls on all parties to the conflict to end them;
10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the institutions of the African Union, ECCAS, the ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly and the Member States of the European Union.