A/HRC/39/70 34. In 2018, the situation continued to deteriorate, particularly in Bangui, following sporadic attacks and violence against civilians. The Independent Expert also noted an intensification of clashes between the various armed groups in the south and south-east of the country and renewed clashes in Bria (east) and in the north-west. 35. Furthermore, the increase in the use of messages of hatred and incitement to violence strengthened discrimination and social stigmatization. In particular, the violence in Bangui in April and May 2018 and the attempts by armed groups to manipulate the population strengthened the risks of religion-based attacks. 36. The Independent Expert has been constantly concerned about mob justice, handed down mainly by members of armed groups in the form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment inflicted on vulnerable, elderly and defenceless persons on the basis of accusations of witchcraft. Despite appeals to the Central African authorities, the Expert continues to observe that the number of cases is increasing and that the perpetrators of such violence remain untroubled by the judicial authorities. 37. At the institutional level, the Independent Expert welcomes the appointment of the members of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in September 2017. Unfortunately, during her visits in 2018, she deplored the fact that the Commission had no operating budget. She appreciated the efforts made by MINUSCA, the United Nations Development Programme and the African Union to strengthen the capacities of the members of the Commission regarding observation and report writing on human rights, and the donation of some equipment. When she was informed recently of the preparation of the Commission action programme 2018–2022, she encouraged its members to finalize this document and disseminate it widely in order to facilitate the mobilization of the resources necessary for the functioning of the Commission and to guarantee its independence. She also advised the Commission to intensify its exchange of experiences with other national commissions in the framework of South-South cooperation. 38. On 29 June in Bangui, the first session of the human rights forum was held in the presence of 73 participants (53 men and 20 women) from civil society organizations, international non-governmental organizations and religious organizations, and representatives of communities and local authorities. Supported by MINUSCA, the forum aims to establish a framework bringing together all those involved in human rights questions in Bangui to discuss them periodically. 39. The Independent Expert was also informed of discussions initiated on a national human rights policy, and encourages greater visibility and the inclusion of all stakeholders in this process. A. Abuses attributed to armed groups 40. More than 60 per cent of violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law are attributed to armed groups. The increase in cases of violence is mainly the result of more widespread clashes between armed groups and their factions in the regions of the country that were previously relatively calm, such as Bangassou, Rafai and Zémio (south-east), Alindao, Kembé and Pombolo (south centre), and to frequent clashes in Bria (centre) between the anti-Balaka and various ex-Séléka factions. In addition, tension has increased in the north-west of the country because of the separation of General Bahar from the Mouvement patriotique pour la Centrafrique in order to form the Mouvement national pour la liberation de la Centrafrique. Other abuses are also attributed to the UPC and 3R groups and armed Peul elements. Moreover, the strengthened action of MINUSCA in Batangafo (north-west) has enabled abuses committed in previously inaccessible areas to be documented. 41. The Independent Expert is incensed at the ability of armed groups to exercise de facto judicial functions in the form of illegal and arbitrary detention, which in some cases resembles abduction. She is particularly concerned about serious violations committed against children, violence against women and the resurgence of attacks on religious leaders since the beginning of 2018, especially in Bangui in May and in Bambari in June. GE.18-13342 7