On 12 December of 2012, following a visit of the SRSG, UN signed a Communiqué with the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Steering Committee (Comité de Pilotage) of the Central African Republic (CAR) with the purpose combatting Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. Through the Communiqué, the parties of the conflict committed to investigate allegations of sexual violence, including rape, forced and early marriage, and hold perpetrators of such violations accountable. During the second visit of SRSG Bangura to the CAR from 17-19 March 2014, H.E. President Catherine Samba-Panza welcomed the initiative and urged the United Nations to speed up its implementation.

Accordingly, the Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict was requested by the CAR Gendarmerie to provide technical support within the framework of the implementation of the Joint Communique.

The current project envisages the establishment of a Rapid Response Unit (RRU) within the Gendarmerie that will be able to immediately respond to alerts, reports, threats and ongoing incidents of sexual violence. The unit would be equipped and trained to receive, report and investigate sexual violence related cases. The staff will receive specific training on how to interview both survivors and alleged perpetrators of CRSV, the necessary protection and safety of measures for survivors. Female officers and staff specifically trained on SGVB and child protection issues should be integrated into this unit.

In addition to rapidly responding to alleged sexual violence cases, the Unit will collect and preserve evidence, and do case management based on confidentiality and to put in place mechanisms for referral to medical, psychosocial and legal aid providers. The Commissariat hosting this Brigade will also ensure that safe spaces for audition of survivors. Once effective, the Unit will serve as deterrent and send a strong message to potential perpetrators that such crimes will not remain unpunished.

Objectives of the Unit

1)  Assist the establishment of rapid response mechanism to CRSV with linkages to other entities providing security and protection as necessary;

2)   Assist to assure the development of a case management / documentation of cases and preservation of evidence, in order to contribute to efforts towards ensuring accountability and prosecution of CRSV cases.