afrol News, 5 December - Parliament in the Central African Republic (CAR) has voted in favour of a new law that guarantees not only the protection of refugees, but also several other fundamental rights.

The Law on the Status of Refugees was approved six months after the government had endorsed its draft.

Central Africans are now waiting for President François Bozizé to append his signatures on the law so that it becomes operational.

Until the coming into force of the new law, the CAR government had been relying on decrees and edicts to sort out refugee issues.

Like most African countries, CAR has failed to domesticate several international instruments, especially those relating to refugee matters.

Once the new law is in force, those who flee conflict and persecution will be guaranteed the right to enter CAR, apply for assylum as well as recognised as recognised provided they fulfil the requirements of the refugee status.

Besides, it guarantees refugees the right to employment, freedom of association, social assistance, health, education, freedom of movement and residency.

It also guarantees the refugees from being expelled or forcefully sent to a country where their lives or liberty would be threatened.

Central African Republic is at the centre of a region plagued by conflicts. CAR has a displaced population of over 200,000 civilians. The displaced persons CAR citizens, Sudanese and Congolese citizens.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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