UN reminds CAR leaders of individual criminal responsibility

Feb.19,2014: As atrocities continue to occur in the Central African Republic – CAR, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, on Wednesday reminded leaders in positions of authority that they have legal obligations and will be held personally accountable for the serious human rights violations committed in CAR, which may amount to crimes against humanity, as a result of their actions or omissions.
Although the overall situation seems slightly calmer in Bangui, reports of more killings and violence continue. The recent assassination of a member of Parliament after he called for those responsible for committing human rights violations to arrested, is an extremely worrying development, as it undermines efforts to reestablish security and rule of law in CAR, said Pillay. Leaders should bear in mind the direct effect of their words and actions on their supporters and must be made to understand that they may be held accountable for crimes that they have ordered, solicited or induces, Pillay added.
Source: UN