Representative urges protection of women and girls in Central African Republic, calls for funding and MINUSCA support

A representative speaking on behalf of Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Panama, the United Kingdom and Colombia urged stronger protection for women and girls in the Central African Republic and called for sustained funding and UN support.

The statement, delivered on behalf of the signatory countries, welcomed the Central African Republic government’s efforts to promote "full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women" in the electoral process and government, and noted adoption of the country’s third national action plan on the implementation of Resolution 1325. The speaker commended UN Women and MINUSCA for supporting women’s participation as voters and candidates.

"We condemn all acts of conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated by all armed actors," the representative said, calling for strengthened prevention, protection, accountability and comprehensive victim and survivor assistance. The statement singled out needs for sexual and reproductive health services and mental health and psychosocial support.

The speaker emphasized the humanitarian toll on women and girls — including displacement, food insecurity, sexual and gender-based violence, and barriers to essential services — and urged "sustained and predictable funding for the critical protection response to gender-based violence." The representative also called for increased political, technical and flexible financial support for women’s organizations and networks in remote and conflict-affected areas.

Addressing the UN peacekeeping mission, the statement encouraged MINUSCA to continue implementing mandate provisions related to women’s protection and participation, including assisting national authorities to strengthen capacities for prevention, investigation, care and assistance for victims and survivors. The representative cautioned that MINUSCA’s ongoing reconfiguration should not undermine its ability to protect civilians and support vulnerable communities, particularly in insecure areas and where there are spillover effects from regional conflicts.

The statement closed by underlining the need to integrate gender perspectives and women’s participation into security-sector reform, mediation, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts so they "contribute to sustainable peace and long-term stability in the Central African Republic." The speaker concluded: "I thank you."

No date or voting action was specified in the transcript; the remarks appear as a formal statement on behalf of the listed countries.