New York/Bangui, 22 April 2013. During a visit today to the Central African Republic, the United Nations' top political official appealed for urgent efforts to establish security and stop abuses against civilians, while reiterating international calls for a full return to constitutional rule.

"I am visiting the Central African Republic today to express the grave concern of the United Nations about the deteriorating security and human rights situation in the country and to convey our solidarity with the people who are suffering and extremely vulnerable at this moment," said Jeffrey Feltman, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. "Foremost at this time is the urgent need to establish law and order throughout the country and to protect civilians from abuse," he added.

The Under-Secretary-General spoke following a day of meetings in the capital, Bangui, including with representatives of political parties and civil society. The Under-Secretary-General also met with Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye in Douala, Cameroon on 20 April.

Under-Secretary-General Feltman also met with the United Nations team in Bangui, led by Margaret Vogt, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Peacebuilding Office, BINUCA. On 21 April, he met with members of the UN family relocated from Bangui to Yaounde, Cameroon. He commended their efforts under difficult circumstances to remain engaged and support needs in the Central African Republic throughout the current crisis. He expressed the commitment of the United Nations to enhance its assistance.

In his discussions, Under-Secretary-General Feltman underscored the calls by the international community and the region for a full return to constitutional order and an end to impunity. He stressed that there should be an inclusive transition within the political framework of the Libreville Accords signed in January 2013.

Under-Secretary-General Feltman appealed for urgent measures to establish security and to facilitate humanitarian operations. He called for a stop to looting, killings and human rights abuses, including sexual violence.

He also appealed for more focused and sustained international attention on the Central African Republic, to prevent recurring crises and instability.

"The Central African Republic cannot continue to be the "forgotten crisis" that emerges briefly on the international radar screen and then slips back into oblivion until the next tragic flare-up," Under-Secretary-General Feltman said.

For more information contact: Jared Kotler, Department of Political Affairs (kotler@un.org, mobile: 646-496-6075; tel 917-367-5264)