Source: UN, Committee on the Rights of the Child

The Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) submitted its initial report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. In an open-hearted discussion between the international committee and the CAR delegation, it was admitted that the people of the CAR were "unhappy with the present situation in the country and the fact that economic and social conditions were not up to standard."

The delegation from the CAR did not intent to hide the fact that democracy was not safeguarded in the country. The officials of the Government underlined that despite the numerous legislative and administrative measures in all development fields, the country had not made much head way. The country had been destitute for many years. At present, nothing could be done without money. "How could a country respect the human rights of the citizens under such circumstances?"

The Central African Republic had abundant resources, but the problem was that it did not have the means to exploit those natural resources, the delegation said. The development partners had been putting exorbitant conditions in the effort to exploit the resources. The children of the Central African Republic were the first victims of the economic difficulties encountered by the nation. The international community was urged to assist the country in its effort to promote democracy and to enhance development.

The Central African Republic is among the 191 States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and as such it must submit periodic reports on its efforts to implement the provisions of the treaty. A six-member Central African Republic delegation was on hand during the day to introduce the report and to answer questions raised by Committee experts.

The discussion focused on the main subjects of family environment and alternative care; basic health and welfare; education, leisure, and cultural activities; and special protection measures.

There had been taken legislative and administrative measures to address these questions in the CAR. Further, the Government delegation informed about various awareness campaigns co-sponsored by the Government. The had also set a special police unit to protect children from exploitation. Government Besides that, resources had not permitted successes neither in school enrollment, health security nor minority rights.

Children belonging to minority groups, the Pygmies and Fulbe, were responsible for their own marginalization due to the influence of their culture and their nomadic way of life, the delegation said. Following a question on that statement, the delegation further said that since the parents went hunting far away from the schools where their children attended, it was difficult for teachers to keep the young ones in school.

However, the fundamental question raised by the CAR delegation was to which degree a poor and destitute country. Democracy could only be safeguarded when there was sustained development, the CAR conclusion was - a point of view very often practiced but seldom admitted or discussed.

Impressed by the open-hearted officials, the experts said, among other things, that the dialogue had been fruitful and frank and that the Committee noted the will of the CAR to implement the Convention despite its economic difficulties.