A/HRC/42/61 another step in the right direction. However, the Independent Expert recalls that, in order to be credible, these consultations must also include the most vulnerable groups, who are often also the least likely to be consulted, such as internally displaced persons, persons living in remote areas, older persons and persons with disabilities. The Independent Expert calls for increased technical assistance to be provided to the Central African authorities in the implementation of the transitional justice strategy. 88. To fulfil the population’s desire for justice, the Central African authorities must invest in the modernization of the system as a whole in order to ensure that: (a) adequate infrastructure is in place; (b) lawyers, criminal investigation officers, judges and prison officials, among others, are trained to carry out their duties; and (c) logistical and material resources are made available, particularly in the areas of forensic medicine and victim and witness protection. All these initiatives must be accompanied by a clear political will to prioritize the needs of victims. 89. In this context, the Independent Expert calls on the international community to provide resolute support to the Central African authorities in strengthening and modernizing the judicial system, together with adequate financial and technical resources. She also encourages the private sector to join these initiatives in order to strengthen the rule of law, which is the key to a society that is open to investment and respectful of the law and the dignity of citizens. Building the capacity of civil society must also be a priority, so that it is able to support victims and contribute fully to justice and reconciliation efforts. VI. Conclusions and recommendations A. Observations 90. The Central African Republic has faced significant challenges in the six years the Independent Expert has been monitoring the human rights situation in the country. She has visited the Central African Republic at least twice a year for six years and maintained a close dialogue with all key actors inside and outside the country. The Independent Expert welcomes the ongoing cooperation of the Central African authorities and the fact that she has always been able to meet with them at the highest level and engage in open discussions on the issues related to her mandate. She also welcomes the support provided by the United Nations through MINUSCA, the United Nations country team and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as other international partners including the African Union and various diplomatic representations, in the implementation of her mandate. She has also established greater cooperation with a number of other special procedures mandate holders regarding the protection of human rights in the Central African Republic. Her work with all New York-based mechanisms concerned with progress in the Central African Republic, in particular the Office of the Secretary-General, the Secretariat and other United Nations agencies, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, has involved open dialogue that has been beneficial for all parties. Lastly, the Independent Expert is grateful to the hundreds of Central Africans who have shared with her their suffering, their analysis and their hopes for their country. Her aim has always been to advocate for greater awareness among all actors of the importance of protecting and promoting human rights, as well as for the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks through increased technical assistance and cooperation from international partners. She has also always sought to promote a human rights perspective in peace and development assistance initiatives. 91. Much blood has been shed during these years, and the Independent Expert pays tribute to the memory of the deceased and the pain of the survivors. She notes with satisfaction that many of the recommendations she has made in her reports have been implemented, and cites the example of the public consultations held in the GE.19-13726 15

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