A/HRC/39/70 African Republic (the training of the 3rd battalion is due to end in August 2018) and by Russian trainers, in Sibut and Obo since 11 November 2017, in Paoua since January 2018 and in Bangassou since 22 June 2018. Intensified follow-up of operations conducted by these troops is needed regarding the necessary respect for human rights and application of the human rights and due diligence policy. The lack of logistical resources necessary for deployment of the armed forces and installation of a garrison army was mentioned to her. She appreciates the efforts initiated by the international community to remedy these needs and encourages the regular organization of human rights training to prevent risks of violation. 49. The Central African internal security forces are essentially present in Bangui. The Independent Expert recalled the importance of evaluating and reducing the risks of impaired civilian protection during security operations in the capital, and the challenge of maintaining freedom of movement between the PK5 neighbourhood and the rest of the city. C. Sexual violence, and sexual exploitation and abuse 50. Conflict-related sexual violence increased steadily in 2017 according to the United Nations, which documented 308 cases committed against 155 women, 138 girls, 13 men and two boys (see S/2018/250).2 This violence continues to be committed by ex-Séléka and anti-Balaka armed groups, the Lord’s Resistance Army and the 3R group, which are present in all regions. It involves rape, group rape, abduction and forced marriage. The Independent Expert is concerned about allegations of the rape of girls recruited by armed groups (48 girls out of the 138 cases reported in 2017) (ibid.). 51. The joint rapid response unit to combat sexual violence against women and children has handled more than 300 complaints since 2017, but few have resulted in prosecution. The Independent Expert encourages intensified cooperation between the unit and the Special Criminal Court to handle these case, finalization of appointments to the unit and allocation of an adequate budget. In New York, the Expert met the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and plans to strengthen their cooperation by arguing jointly for the protection and empowerment of victims of sexual violence. She also invites the Government to do the same and to continue to cooperate with the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. 52. At the institutional level, the Independent Expert was informed of the signing of a decree on 7 June 2018 replacing the National Committee to Curb Traditional Practices Harmful to the Health of Women and Girls by the National Technical Committee to Combat Gender-Based Violence, Harmful Traditional Practices and Child Marriage in the Central African Republic in order to extend its powers. 53. Regarding allegations of exploitation and sexual violence by the international forces, the Independent Expert found it unacceptable that such cases persisted. She nonetheless took note of the efforts of MINUSCA to raise the awareness of the United Nations international forces and to prevent and deal with cases. When informed of cases reported in 2018 and of the follow-up by MINUSCA with the States of the nationals concerned by this sort of allegation, she stressed the importance of providing legal assistance to victims and strengthening medical and psychotherapeutic assistance. The Expert recalled that all action must be based on human rights and above all be victim-centred, complying with the do no harm, confidentiality and informed consent principles in the best interests of the victim. Such an approach would enable the United Nations, not only to engage in dialogue with States on their human rights obligations, but also to devise comprehensive strategies covering both cases of exploitation and sexual violence and the human rights violations that cause or result from them. 2 GE.18-13342 In 2016, MINUSCA documented 179 cases of conflict-related violence against 92 women, 86 girls and one boy. 9