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Article 3 stipulates that: « all human beings are equal before the law without
distinction of origin, race, gender or religion ».
The Imperial Constitution of the 4th December 1976 solemnly proclaims in its
preamble its attachment to the fundamental rights and liberties as well as to democracy.
It solemnly re-affirms that: « the Monarchy recognizes the existence of inviolable
human rights as the basis of all human community, peace and justice in the
world».
The 5th February 1981 Constitution, in its Article 3, parag. 1 stipulates: « all
human beings are equal before the Law without distinction of race, ethnic origin,
region or religion».
The 28th November 1986 Constitution re-affirmed in its preamble, its firm
determination to combat discrimination in these terms: « no discrimination will be
made for reasons of fortune, affiliation to a race or cult which is being freely
exercised by all ».
Article 5 of the 14th January 1995 Constitution stipulates: « all human beings
are equal before the Law without distinction as to race, gender, ethnic, regional,
religious origin, political affiliation and social position. The Law guarantees equal
rights in all areas to both Men and Women».
A thorough study of all the provisions in force of the 27th December 2004
Constitution does not show anywhere mention of a discriminatory policy in the country.
This means that civil and political rights are not subjected to any discrimination
whatsoever anywhere in the entire country.
It is pertinent to recall that the Constitution of the 14th January 1995 and the
Constitutional Act n°1 of the 15th March 2003 which clearly specify that: « any remarks
or act tending to establish or give rise to racial or ethnic discrimination, any
remarks or act intended to provoke or foster regionalist propaganda, any news
propaganda tending to undermine the unity of the nation, and the credit of the
State, any demonstration which is contrary to the freedom of conscience and the
freedom of cult likely to make the citizens rise against each other will be
punished. . »
2.
The Right to Equality: Article 3 of the Charter
Prompted and guided by the concern to guarantee man’s dignity, the Founder
President of the Central African Republic Barthélemy BOGANDA formulated the
principle of « zo kwé zo », adopted by all the Presidents who succeeded him in this
highest Office of the State by using other terms which meant the same thing, « zo
ayeke zo » of the Emperor Jean-Bedel BOKASSA (from 1966 to 1979) and « so zo
la,» of President André KOLINGBA (from 1981 to 1993): all men are equal.
The principle of equality also finds its peerage literature in various legislative and
regulatory texts, namely in the Codes, Laws, Constitutions. From 1959 to 1976 the
various Constitutions have always advocated equality of citizens.