MINUSCA plays a pivotal role in rebuilding the justice and penitentiary sectors in the Central African Republic, helping strengthen the rule of law, improve access to justice, and support the fight against impunity.
Supporting the Legal and Policy Framework
In 2019, the Central African Ministry of Justice adopted its first Justice Sector Policy, a strategic framework aimed at making the country's justice system more independent, accountable, efficient, accessible, and respectful of human rights.
MINUSCA plays a leading co-coordination role in strengthening the Government's capacity to steer justice sector reforms while ensuring effective coordination among national and international partners.
One of the most significant outcomes of this policy was the accelerated development of key legal frameworks, notably the National Criminal Justice Policy, adopted in 2024. The policy seeks to reduce delays in criminal proceedings and address prison overcrowding.
To strengthen judicial accountability, MINUSCA also supports the implementation of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Magistrates, adopted in July 2020.
Supporting the Deployment of Judicial Personnel and the Functioning of the Justice System
MINUSCA supports the deployment of judicial personnel throughout the country's courts to improve access to justice. Of the 44 existing courts, 42 were operational in 2026, compared with only 12 in 2014.
Since 2014, the Mission has completed and handed over 25 justice infrastructure construction and rehabilitation projects to the Government.
MINUSCA also supports the organization of criminal court sessions, mobile court hearings, prison-based judicial investigations, and measures to protect victims and witnesses.
Since 2014, and at the request of the judicial authorities, the Mission has facilitated the transfer of 850 suspects and accused persons involved in serious crimes.
Beyond supporting the deployment of judicial and penitentiary personnel, MINUSCA has strengthened the capacity of justice officials serving outside Bangui. Between 2019 and 2023, the Mission organized 80 training sessions benefiting personnel from the country's 24 High Courts and three Courts of Appeal.
To help ensure adequate staffing within judicial institutions, MINUSCA, together with UNDP, the United States, and the European Union, supported the National School of Administration and Magistracy in training 295 new prison officers, 64 court registrars, and 59 magistrates.
At the Government's request, MINUSCA also produces monthly and annual statistics on the deployment of judicial personnel and the functioning of courts across the country. These reports are submitted to the Ministry of Justice to support the monitoring of judicial activities outside the capital.
The Special Criminal Court: A Landmark Tool in the Fight Against Impunity
In response to persistent impunity and the weakness of national judicial institutions, the Central African Government and MINUSCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August 2014 providing for the establishment of a hybrid criminal court.
The Special Criminal Court (SCC) was established on 3 June 2015 under Organic Law No. 15.003. As a national court with an international character, it represents a key instrument in combating impunity, strengthening State authority, and supporting national reconciliation.
MINUSCA played a decisive role in establishing the Court by supporting the construction of its infrastructure, developing its legal framework, and drafting its Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
This marked the first time a United Nations peacekeeping mission directly contributed to the creation and long-term support of a hybrid criminal court.
Expanding and Reforming the Penitentiary System
In 2014, only 3 of the country's 38 prisons were operational. Thanks to MINUSCA's support, 16 correctional facilities were operational by May 2026, with the Mission providing assistance to 88 prison administration officers.
Central African prisons are now safer through MINUSCA's enhanced mentoring, strategic advisory support, and improvements to prison infrastructure and security equipment.
Since 2020, 315 national civilian prison officers, including 47 women, have been recruited and trained.
MINUSCA also supports healthcare services for detainees by improving prison medical facilities and conducting regular health assessments. Nevertheless, prison overcrowding and inadequate food supplies remain major challenges, particularly at Ngaragba Prison.
To address these challenges, MINUSCA has implemented social reintegration programmes focused on agriculture and livestock farming in 10 correctional facilities, benefiting more than 300 inmates.