At the outset allow me to recognize World Refugee Day, and all those who are forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict, instability, and climate change, especially women and girls who are disproportionately affected. We honour all refugees today. We honour their courage, their strength and resilience. One of the most repeated phrases in this Chamber in recent years is ‘women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation’. I want to focus on that today in the context of the Central African Republic, ahead of the constitutional referendum and the first local elections since 1988.
