5 INTRODUCTION Having gained independence in 1960, followed by its adherence to the Organization of the United Nations on the 20th September of the same year, the CAR marked its commitment to the promotion of human rights ideals by means of the various international and regional human rights instruments. This commitment is manifested by the ratification of important human rights instruments including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which was ratified on the 26th April 1986. In conformity with the provisions of Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, this initial and cumulative Report from the CAR is the expression of its obligations to the provisions of the said Charter to which it is signatory. This Report is divided into eleven Sections dealing respectively with: - A general overview of the CAR; - CAR’s commitment in the area of human rights; - The various political regimes before and after independence; - The implementation by the CAR of the rights protected by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; - The measures taken by the CAR to improve the conditions of vulnerable groups, namely Women, Children, the Physically Handicapped and Minorities; - The measures taken by CAR to protect the family and its integrity; - The measures guaranteeing the respect for the rights of the individual; - The difficulties encountered by the CAR in the application of the Charter; - The implementation of human rights education by the CAR in accordance with the provisions of Article 25 of the Charter; - The Charter as an instrument of international relations; - Finally, some information relevant to the application and promotion of the Charter; - Annexures These are the contents of the present initial and cumulative Report submitted by the CAR.