Medico Legal at Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) is actively working to strengthen its medico-legal system, focusing on areas such as death registration, judicial reforms, and addressing sexual violence.
Death Registration:
CAR mandates the registration of all deaths under Law No. 97 013 on the Family Code (11 November 1997). The Directorate General of Decentralization and Local Development oversees this process, with local authorities like mayors and municipal councilors responsible for registration. A medical death certificate is required, and registrations must occur within one month of death. The process involves fees set by municipal councils, and a death certificate is essential for burial, inheritance, and obtaining social assistance.
Judicial Reforms:
To address impunity for serious crimes, CAR established the Special Criminal Court (SCC) in 2015. This hybrid court combines national and international legal expertise to prosecute grave human rights violations committed since 2003. The SCC operates within the national justice system, with its own judicial police and prosecution office. Training programs for magistrates have been conducted to enhance the court's effectiveness.
Addressing Sexual Violence:
Sexual violence remains a critical issue in CAR, with Médecins Sans Frontières treating over 19,500 survivors between 2018 and 2022. To combat this, the government established the Mixed Response Unit for the Rapid Intervention and Repression of Sexual Violence (UMIRR), aiming to coordinate legal, social, and medical support for survivors. citeturn0search2 Additionally, legal aid clinics provide survivors with representation and advice, working in partnership with organizations like Doctors Without Borders and UMIRR.
In summary, CAR is making concerted efforts to enhance its medico-legal framework through reforms in death registration, judicial processes, and support systems for victims of sexual violence. These initiatives are crucial steps toward improving justice and public health in the country.
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