Assessment of Efforts to Hold Perpetrators of Conflict-related Sexual Violence Accountable in Central African Republic

Sexual violence is commonly described as an epidemic in the Central African Republic (CAR) and other conflict settings. In response, the government and the international community have launched major efforts to combat sexual violence, including the investigation and prosecution of sexual crimes and offences by the ordinary justice system, the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic, and the International Criminal Court. Yet, little is known about how these efforts are perceived among the population and about their effectiveness at reducing exposure in a context of ongoing violence. This article builds on a unique series of four surveys conducted at six-month intervals between 2017 and 2018 with a total of 25,143 randomly selected adults. It assesses the magnitude of sexual violence and shows that respondents positively perceive efforts to combat sexual violence and increasingly understand and trust the justice system. Disclosure of sexual violence is increasing, but only one in five victims files a formal complaint with security and justice actors. Factors undermining disclosing or filing of complaints about these widespread events include fear of retaliation, re-traumatization, and stigmatization. Investigating sexual crimes in a context of insecurity is extremely challenging and the work of the various courts is hindered by practical, procedural, and social challenges detailed in this article, as well as the need to coordinate prosecutorial strategies. There is an urgent need to build capacity and to ensure appropriate and compassionate treatment towards those who have been assaulted. Monitoring perception of criminal justice efforts is an important step towards understanding their contribution to ending sexual violence and to peace.