From 2005 to 2015, COOPI has worked closely with minority populations of CAR and more specifically with the Aka Pygmies, in the Lobaye, Sangha-Mbaere and Mambere-Kadei prefectures.

It is possible to identify 5 macro-themes of success in this program:
-  the monitoring of violations and discrimination of human rights experienced by indigenous groups;
-  the promotion of the cultural and traditional, linguistic and religious identity of indigenous;
-  the grant of the act of birth for thousands of unregistered children;
-  the improvement of access to basic services, especially education and health, for women and children from indigenous groups;
- the advocacy activity that led to the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.
The interrelationship between these dynamics has been well received by the pygmies, who began to exercise their civic rights and to recognize the importance of their community. This approach has fostered awareness, higher skills and knowledge and finally contributed to the advancement of the Aka Pygmies in the participation in the country’s public life.

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