A/HRC/25/43 IV. Priority areas for technical assistance on human rights 53. The seizure of power in March 2013 by the former Séléka plunged the country into a period of great instability. The former Séléka constitute a loose, motley coalition that is therefore intrinsically fragile and liable to fall apart at any time. 54. The country is exhausted and divided. What little infrastructure there was outside Bangui has been destroyed by ex-Séléka and the State’s ability to maintain law and order, which was already limited, has been wiped out. The State has virtually ceased to exist in Bangui and the provinces; there is no rule of law. 55. Moreover, the abuses committed by ex-Séléka against the non-Muslim population have created a divide that, if it is not bridged, could inflame tensions and violence. 56. Given the critical security situation and the state of the institutions, it would seem reasonable initially to set limited and realistic goals with regard to technical assistance. 57. In that context, it is important to recall the recommendations made at the universal periodic review of the Central African Republic in October 2013, and those issued by the treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council special procedures. 58. To the extent that it is feasible, the following actions and initiatives should be implemented by the end of February 2015. A. Re-establishing community ties 59. The rebuilding of ties and trust between the different communities is a matter of urgency. Although self-defence groups and former Séléka units have been demobilized and disarmed, the fear and resentment that have built up could still lead to acts of revenge. There is an urgent need to end the cycle of violence. To that end, peace initiatives and attempts to establish dialogue undertaken by key players, including Muslim and Christian clerics and the NGOs that support them, should be backed up with the necessary logistical, material and financial support. 60. A needs analysis should be conducted with those same key players in order to develop an awareness-raising programme to encourage communities to live together. A fund could also be set up to finance microprojects for reconstruction and planning aimed at encouraging members of a given community or neighbouring villages to work together again, especially in those areas where tensions have been greatest, such as Bouar and Bossangoa. There should be a special focus on projects proposed by women’s groups. 61. The Human Rights and Justice Section of BINUCA should consult representatives of religious communities in order to assess the chances of launching such initiatives and promoting a common comprehensive plan. B. Helping to forge a strategy to combat impunity 62. At its universal periodic review in 2009, the Central African Republic freely undertook to combat the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators of human rights violations, but this has remained a dead letter (A/HRC/12/2 para. 77). None of the recommendations, urging the Central African Republic to combat impunity, including those made by the United Nations, have been acted on. The creation of the Mixed Commission of Inquiry falls short of what is required to meet the country’s international obligations, given the seriousness and persistence of human rights violations. GE.14-11122 11