CAR Held Hostage to Killings, Sexual Violence
Escalating violence in the capitol of Central African Republic has pushed to the United Nations to call on the international community to do more to help.
During the last 10 days more than 60 people have been killed in fighting between Christians and Muslims in Bangui. Hundreds have fled the area.
The United Nations already declared the region a human rights emergency four months ago.
"The people of Central African Republic are suffering grave, deplorable atrocities. I will do everything possible to improve the international response," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said.
The U.N. leader is calling on the world to send peacekeeping troops to the region as well as financial support.
The European Union announced Tuesday they will launch a military operation to restore stability to the region.
The mission is to "provide temporary support in achieving a safe and secure environment in the Bangui area, with a view to handing over to a U.N. peacekeeping operation or to African partners," EU leaders said in press statement.
More than a million people in CAR are in need of humanitarian aid.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, CAR citizens are held hostage to pillaging, killings, and sexual violence meted out by the warring factions.
