The people of the Central African Republic have suffered decades of violence and human rights abuse. Government forces, armed groups and criminal gangs have killed unarmed men, women and children with impunity. The catalogue of violations and abuses includes arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and torture, as well as abductions for ransom. Amnesty International is calling for a coalition of local and foreign governments and groups, as well as intergovernmental bodies, to take action to protect civilians and to end impunity in the Central African Republic.