A/HRC/39/70 19. Lastly, the Independent Expert noted the redeployment of 16 prefects and their subprefects, but regrets that their efficiency is still hampered by lack of logistical resources, and insecurity. B. Political context and mediation efforts 20. On 17 July 2017 in Libreville, the African Union adopted a roadmap for peace and reconciliation: the Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation. In September, a panel of facilitators was appointed to implement it with the aim of ensuring inclusion, reconciliation and national cohesion. The panel, the main responsibility of which is to promote dialogue between the Government and the armed groups, held talks between 27 November and 11 December 2017 and in March 2018 in order to establish a climate of trust, to deliver a message from the President of the African Union to the armed groups and to listen to their political, economic, social and judicial demands. 21. According to the coordinator of the panel representing the African Union, some armed groups reacted positively to the approaches, altered their discourse and have begun to assist the panel with the process. It was then planned that the Government and the armed groups would begin talks in order to draft a consensus document. The Independent Expert notes, however, that the violence in Bangui in April and May seems to have slowed down the process. 22. In the framework of the Initiative, civil society players expressed their concern that the people of the country had not been consulted adequately, just as they had not been during the previous two peace initiatives, of the Saint Egidio Community and in Brussels in June 2017. The Independent Expert again regretted the too weak involvement of the population — particularly women — in the peace process (see A/HRC/36/64, para. 34). She called for the inclusion in the consultation process of all players in civil and political life, especially women and local and religious leaders. She stresses the importance of such consultations for legitimizing the outcome of political dialogue. She also invited civil society to maintain its role of impartial and independent observer of the impact of political decisions on human rights. 23. The Independent Expert has taken note of the local peace initiatives in Bria (centre) and Bouar (west) in support of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation. She encourages assistance to these agreements in the form of adequate resources to maintain or establish an environment conducive to reconciliation and lasting peace. 24. In the course of her missions, the Independent Expert was made aware of the categorical refusal of the population and the authorities to consider an amnesty for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the peace negotiations, in order to bring an end to the culture of impunity and build the Central African Republic on healthy foundations. 25. The Independent Expert examined the implementation of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan adopted by the National Assembly in October 2016. This plan is based on three pillars (political, social and economic) and could make it possible speedily to provide for the needs of the Central African population, especially unemployed youth. The Expert noted the unanimous wish of Central Africans to prioritize the health, education and security sectors, and economic opportunities and employment. She was, however, concerned at the delay in disbursing funds and implementing projects. Noting the link between the National Plan and a transitional justice roadmap, she encouraged the strengthening of good governance to ensure speedy execution of the Plan, where that was possible. 26. In June 2018, the Independent Expert met with the High Council for Communication during an awareness campaign on messages of hatred, incitement to violence and stigmatization. She recognized that appropriate communication in the context of crisis was essential for reconciling communities and transparently presenting the efforts of the Central African Government and its partners in favour of the population. She nonetheless recalled the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. GE.18-13342 5