The Central African Republic (CAR), which achieved its independency from France on August 13, 1960, has had a very unstable history, evidenced by several coups and internal disputes. Progress has been observed only in the last few years, with significant improvements in its governance and human rights record. The government's commitment to human rights was also reflected in the adoption of a national policy on the promotion of equality in 2005. A family code designed to strengthen women's rights had been in place since May 1998, but several conflicting customary laws prevail.

The CAR is one of the world's least developed countries, with approximately 4.3 million inhabitants. A landlocked country, the nation is overwhelmingly agrarian, with more than half of the population, and the vast majority ...