Washington, June 8 (Bureau) Members of the UN Security Council condemned violations of human rights and humanitarian law in the Central African Republic (CAR) during a meeting of the council on Monday, Estonian Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Gert Auvaart said in a readout. “The members of the Security Council strongly condemned ongoing human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in the CAR, and stressed the need to bring to justice their perpetrators. They called on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access,” Auvaart stated.
The Security Council also reiterated that attacks against UN peacekeepers operating in the country may constitute war crimes, calling upon CAR authorities to enhance the safety and security of UN personnel. Late last month, a clash between CAR and Chadian forces resulted in casualties on both sides. Members of CAR’s armed forces chased armed rebels into the neighboring country, where they then attacked an outpost managed by Chadian soldiers. Additionally, US President Joe Biden issued a national emergency declaration on the situation in the CAR, stating that it poses an unusual threat to US national security and foreign policy. A notice released by the White House characterized the country’s condition as filled with intersectarian tension, widespread violence and atrocities, and the use of child soldiers, which threatens the peace, security, or stability of both the CAR and neighboring states.
Biden Discusses With Zelenskyy Need for Reforms, Energy Security
Washington, June 8 (Bureau) US President Joe Biden in a telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the need for Kiev to implement anti-corruption reforms and close cooperation on energy security, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The leaders discussed our strategic partnership in support of President Zelenskyy’s plan to tackle corruption and implement a reform agenda, based on our shared democratic values and Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, that delivers justice, security, and prosperity to the people of Ukraine,” Psaki said in a press release on Monday. The two leaders also discussed Russia’s activities in the region, the need for close cooperation on energy security and in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Psaki added that the United States plans to give Ukraine 900,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines.