1. At its meeting on 12 April 2024, the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict of the Security Council examined the sixth report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Central African Republic (S/2024/93), covering the period between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2023, which was introduced by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. The Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Central African Republic to the United Nations also addressed the Working Group (see annex).
2. The members of the Working Group expressed grave concern at the six grave violations committed against children in the Central African Republic. They expressed their particular concern about the high number of abuses committed against children by armed groups. They further condemned violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and noted that killing and maiming including by explosive ordnance, the increase in abductions of children, and incidents of rape and other forms of sexual violence show the continued impact of the conflict on children. Members further expressed concern at the humanitarian situation and called upon all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international law and to allow and facilitate safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access, and to act consistent with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and the United Nations guiding principles of humanitarian assistance. Members welcomed measures taken by the Government to protect children, including the development of a draft strategy for a national prevention plan, the appointment of a focal point at the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic and the increased prosecution of perpetrators. They further welcomed the continued release and reintegration of children associated with armed groups and armed forces and encouraged the Government to reinforce their efforts on the sustainable disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of children, as well as child-sensitive security sector reform. Members underscored that the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic was essential to achieving sustainable peace and development, and called for constructive support by the international community in this regard. The members further reiterated their support for the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on reporting on, and the protection of, children affected by armed conflict.
3. The members of the Working Group welcomed the report of the Secretary-General. Further to the meeting, and subject to and consistent with applicable international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1612 (2005), 1882 (2009), 1998 (2011), 2068 (2012), 2143 (2014), 2225 (2015), 2427 (2018) and 2601 (2021), the Working Group agreed to the direct action set out below.