United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 – Central African Republic

Resolution 2127 (2013)

The Security Council,

Recalling its previous resolutions and statements on the Central African Republic (CAR), in particular resolution 2121 (2013),

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the CAR, and recalling the importance of the principles of good-neighbourliness and regional cooperation,

Expressing deep concern at the continuing deterioration of the security situation in the CAR, characterized by a total breakdown in law and order, the absence of the rule of law, intersectarian tensions and further expressing its grave concern about the consequences of instability in the CAR, on the central African region and beyond, and stressing in this regard the need for the international community to respond swiftly,

Remaining seriously concerned by multiple and increasing violations of international humanitarian law and the widespread human rights violations and abuses, notably by former Seleka and militia groups, in particular those known as the “antibalaka”, including those involving extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence against women and children, rape, recruitment and use of children and attacks against civilians,

Underlying its particular concern at the new dynamic of violence and retaliation and the risk of it degenerating into a countrywide religious and ethnic divide, with the potential to spiral into an uncontrollable situation, including serious crimes under international law in particular war crimes and crimes against humanity, with serious regional implications,

Further expressing concern at the insufficient capacity of the police, justice and corrections institutions to hold perpetrators of such violations and abuses accountable,

Condemning all violence targeting members of ethnic and religious groups and their leaders and encouraging all parties and stakeholders in the CAR to support and contribute effectively, with the assistance of the international community, to intercommunal and interfaith dialogues, aiming at alleviating the current tensions on the ground,

Reiterating that all perpetrators of such acts must be held accountable and that some of those acts may amount to crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), to which the CAR is a State party, and further recalling the statement made by the Prosecutor of the ICC on 7 August 2013,

Reiterating its condemnation of the devastation of natural heritage and noting that poaching and trafficking of wildlife are among the factors that fuel the crisis in the CAR,

Noting the decision by the Kimberley Process to suspend the CAR,

Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General dated 15 November 2013, on the situation in the CAR and on the planning of MISCA and taking note of the detailed options for international support to MISCA,

Recalling that the Transitional Authorities have the primary responsibility to protect the civilian population,

Further recalling its resolutions 1265 (1999), 1296 (2000), 1674 (2006), 1738 (2006) and 1894 (2009) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, its resolutions 1612 (2005), 1882 (2009), 1998 (2011) and 2068 (2012) on Children and Armed Conflict and its resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013) and 2122 (2013) on Women, Peace and Security and calling upon the parties in the CAR to engage with the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict,

Stressing the importance that the Transitional Authorities ensure women’s full and equal participation in all discussions pertinent to the resolution of the conflict and in all phases of electoral processes,

Emphasizing the risk of the situation in the CAR providing a conducive environment for transnational criminal activity, such as that involving arms trafficking and the use of mercenaries as well as a potential breeding ground for radical networks,

Recalling its resolution 2117 (2013) and expressing grave concern at the threat to peace and security in the CAR arising from the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons,

Expressing continued concern about the activity of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the CAR due in part to the prevailing security situation,

Reiterating its serious concern at the worsening humanitarian situation in the CAR, strongly condemning the repeated attacks on UN staff and humanitarian personnel, goods, assets and premises and the looting of humanitarian aid which have resulted in obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid,

Underscoring the importance of respecting the United Nations guiding principles of humanitarian assistance, including neutrality, impartiality, humanity and independence in the provision of humanitarian assistance,

Urging all parties to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel and their assets,

Recalling the letter of its President dated 29 October, approving the deployment of a guard unit to the CAR as part of BINUCA and taking note of the Secretary-General’s letter of 26 November 2013 highlighting progress towards the deployment of a guard unit within BINUCA, as well as the consent of the Transitional Authorities as expressed on 5 November for such a guard unit and welcoming in this regard the contribution of the Kingdom of Morocco to this unit,

Welcoming the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) on 19 July 2013 to authorize the deployment of the “African-led International Support Mission in the CAR” (referred to hereafter as MISCA), as well as the adoption of a new concept of operation on 10 October 2013,

Reiterating its appreciation for the ongoing efforts of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and its Mediator regarding the CAR crisis, as well as the efforts of the African Union to resolve the crisis, and the efforts of the International Contact Group on the CAR,

Welcoming the strong engagement of the European Union (EU) for the CAR, in particular the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 21 October 2013 and the commitment of the EU to contribute financially to the deployment of MISCA within the framework of the African Peace Facility, further welcoming ongoing discussions within the EU on possible additional support,

Welcoming the efforts made by the Secretariat to expand and improve the roster of experts for the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch, bearing in mind the guidance provided by the Note of the President (S/2006/997),

Taking note of the declaration adopted by the International Contact Group on the CAR at its third meeting held in Bangui on 8 November 2013,

Taking note of the AU-PSC Communiqué of 13 November 2013, which urges the Security Council to quickly adopt a resolution endorsing and authorizing the deployment of MISCA,

Taking note of the letter dated 22 November 2013 from the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, stressing the importance of ensuring that peacebuilding needs in CAR are addressed immediately following stabilization of the security and humanitarian situation and, in this regard, emphasizing the Commission’s role in mobilizing and sustaining the attention and commitment of partners and actors in support of related United Nations and regional efforts,

Taking note of the letter by the CAR authorities of 20 November 2013 requesting the support to MISCA by French forces,

Underlining the importance of all subregional, regional and international organizations acting in the CAR improving their coordination with one another,

Determining that the situation in the CAR constitutes a threat to international peace and security,

Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

Adopted by the Security Council at its 7072nd meeting, on 5 December 2013.