In a significant step for the Central African Republic (CAR), the Independent Expert on human rights, Yao Agbetse, welcomed the recent adoption of a protective law for human rights defenders by the National Assembly on December 27, 2024. This legislation is a landmark achievement, acknowledging the dedication of individuals and organizations that tirelessly work to uphold fundamental rights and ensure a safe environment for their activities.
Agbetse noted that the new law signifies a major advancement in CAR’s democratic journey, promising to enhance the promotion and implementation of human rights across the nation. It incorporates essential protective measures such as security protocols, legal assistance, and safeguards against retaliation, empowering defenders to carry out their crucial roles without the looming threat of violence or persecution.
“This legislation is a step in the right direction,” Agbetse affirmed, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. He highlighted its vital function in preserving civic space and acknowledging the contributions made by civil society organizations to the country’s overall development and peace efforts.
The law aims to bolster the role of civil society in executing and monitoring important national programs and policies. Agbetse declared this newfound legal support as a triumph for all striving for equality and justice, underscoring the necessity of protecting human rights defenders as essential guardians of democracy.
“Peace can only flourish when human rights are respected,” he stated, reaffirming the duty to secure protection for those championing rights and justice. He urged swift implementation of the law to foster a more just society, pledging collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure effective support for human rights defenders.
In a clarion call, Agbetse invited state authorities, human rights commissions, and international partners to extend sustained support to civil society and human rights advocates. This law heralds a new era of accountability, reinforcing the crucial role of defenders in nurturing a democratic and equitable future in CAR.
The Central African Republic has adopted a law to protect human rights defenders, welcomed by Yao Agbetse, the Independent Expert on human rights. This law enhances protection mechanisms, promising legal support and safeguards against reprisals. It marks a significant development for democracy in CAR, ensuring defenders can work without fear and highlighting the role of civil society in the nation’s growth and peace process.
The new law represents a monumental pledge towards nurturing democracy in the Central African Republic, safeguarding the rights of those committed to advocacy, and reinforcing societal structures supportive of justice. By offering essential protections, it seeks to empower human rights defenders, ensuring they can operate without fear, ultimately benefitting the nation’s collective strive for equality and peace.
The adoption of this law is crucial amidst ongoing challenges faced by human rights advocates in CAR, where political instability has often endangered their work. Recognizing the essential contribution of these defenders to democracy and civil society aligns with international human rights standards and highlights the government’s commitment to fostering a safer environment for their activities.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
