proposals on gender equality and Indigenous Peoples, were under way. Talks regarding a potential free trade deal with China continued, amid concerns over possible implications for human rights protection in China. LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL OR INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS In June the government tabled legislation to accede to the UN Arms Trade Treaty, but without it applying to arms transfers to the USA, the primary market for Canadian arms sales. In October the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act was passed, strengthening redress and sanctions in designated cases of serious human rights violations. In December, federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for human rights met for the first time since 1988 and committed to establish a “senior level mechanism” to more effectively co-ordinate implementation of Canada’s international human rights obligations. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Central African Republic Head of state: Faustin-Archange Touadéra Head of government: Simplice Sarandji The government had minimal control outside the capital, Bangui. Armed groups continued to fight for territorial control, and targeted civilians, humanitarian workers and peacekeepers. Widespread impunity further fuelled instability and conflict. Increasing numbers sought refuge in neighbouring countries or were internally displaced, in dire conditions. At least 2.4 million people depended on humanitarian assistance and 1.4 million remained food insecure. 118 BACKGROUND There was a resurgence of violence mainly in and around the Ouaka, Basse-Kotto and Haute-Kotto prefectures (districts). Ex-Seleka and Anti-balaka armed groups controlled much of the country. The mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) was renewed until 15 November 2018. Its forces were strengthened following criticism of its capacity to protect civilians and respond to attacks. In June, the UN agreed to reduce the MINUSCA budget by USD18.8 million, and the budgets of 14 peacekeeping missions. US and Ugandan troops, deployed under the African Union-led Regional Task Force to eliminate the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), withdrew from the country between April and May. In May, the national assembly presented a peace roadmap, which included a national committee of victims and excluded amnesties for war crimes, to the government. In June, the government and 13 of the 14 armed groups signed a peace agreement which included an immediate ceasefire, political representation for armed groups and the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It also incorporated the potential for pardons. In July, the AU produced the Roadmap for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, which launched a joint mediation. ABUSES BY ARMED GROUPS AND CRIMES UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW Armed groups were responsible for killings, torture and other ill-treatment, sexual assaults, abductions, arrests, extortion and looting, recruitment and exploitation of children and attacks on humanitarian workers and premises; they also prevented access to humanitarian assistance. The International NGO Safety Organisation reported that over 390 security incidents targeted relief agencies and at least 15 local humanitarian workers were killed. Amnesty International Report 2017/18