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Ambassadorial-level PBC meeting on peacebuilding priorities in Central African Republic

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 06.05.2024

Check Against Delivery

Chair, Excellencies,

 

Thank you for organizing this meeting and bringing attention to the peacebuilding priorities of the Central African Republic.

 

Today, I will share three key messages relating to elections.

 

Firstly, the local elections provides an important opportunity for bringing people together in CAR. We encourage all parties and stakeholders to work towards inclusive, free, fair and peaceful local elections in CAR. Sustaining peace during elections is a continuous and long-term process.

 

Secondly, the upcoming elections are an entry point to reinforce and promote women’s leadership in CAR. Denmark encourages the government and partners to continue efforts to expand political space as a stepping stone to towards recovery, lasting peace and stability.

 

Protection is the bedrock for participation, and sexual and gender-based violence can act as a significant barrier for participation of women and youth in public life. Denmark would like to positively note the efforts undertaken by the UMIRR, a rapid response unit within the police and gendarmerie to investigate sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the work of the Special Criminal Court, supported also by MINUSCA and UNDP.

 

Thirdly, electoral assistance is an important part of the UN’s support towards sustainable development and peace, and the UN Development Programme plays a important role in this regard. Denmark is a ‘partner at core’ of UNDP. I also note the efforts by the EU to finalise support for the UNDP basket fund.

 

I would like to conclude by asking;

- In regard to electoral assistance, how is the UN System working towards delivering as one?

- How may local infrastructures for peace be leveraged in support of the prevention of electoral-related violence? This could be community-based initiatives, peace committees, and so forth.

 

Denmark appreciates today’s opportunity to learn more about the preparation for local elections and CAR’s peacebuilding priorities in this regard.

 

I thank you.