Central African Republic crisis getting even worse - UN
Former rebels, mostly Muslims, are being evacuated from military camps
The
security situation in the Central African Republic is getting even
worse despite the inauguration of a new leader, the UN human rights
chief says.
"Muslim civilians are now extremely vulnerable," said Navi Pillay.Her statement came as a Muslim and Christian leader met British Prime Minister David Cameron to lobby for more international assistance.
About a million people - 20% of the population - have fled their homes during months of religious violence.
"I call as a matter of utmost urgency upon the international community to strengthen peacekeeping efforts... Many lives are at stake," said Ms Pillay.
Mobs continue to hunt out Muslim civilians
Last week, new President Catherine Samba-Panza said this was not enough.
Since the country's first Muslim leader Michel Djotodia resigned earlier this month, there have been widespread reports of revenge attacks on Muslim civilians.
Members of the Christian majority said they were attacked by members of Mr Djotodia's former rebel group who installed him as leader last year.
But Archbishop of Bangui Dieudonne Nzapalainga and Imam Oumar Kobine Layama, president of the Islamic Central African community, said the unrest was caused by politicians.
"This is not a religious crisis; it's a military-political crisis," Mr Layama told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.
The two religious leaders warned of a possible famine
"Homes have been razed and famine is on the horizon if we do nothing."
Catherine Samba-Panza was sworn in last week by the interim parliament.
The businesswomen is seen a politically neutral.
CAR is rich in gold and diamonds but years of unrest and poor governance have left most of its 4.6 million people in poverty.
