Human Rights Council 32, Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Côte d'Ivoire, 28 June 2016
UK Statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Côte d'Ivoire.
The Human Rights Council takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Thank you Mr President
The United Kingdom welcomes the report of the Independent Expert, which notes the successful conclusion of the UN peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire and its path towards draw down by 30 June 2017.
The report also reflects the highly commendable level of access which the government of Côte d’Ivoire consistently affords the Independent Expert and UNSRSG Mindaoudou.
Côte d’Ivoire has enjoyed remarkable economic growth since its post-electoral crisis of 2010/11. The UK welcomes President Ouattara’s stated ambition, following his 2015 election victory, to see the social dividend of that growth shared by every Ivorian through the 2016-2020 National Development Plan.
Mr President
UNOCI’s pending departure means that Côte d’Ivoire now shoulders the responsibility of healing the wounds of its crises’ through reconciliation and an effective justice system. As such, the UK continues to urge the government of Côte d’Ivoire to bring to a swift conclusion the trials of those still in detention for crimes committed during the political crisis, and to bring to justice all those who committed human rights abuses, irrespective of political affiliation.
Furthermore, we welcome the work of the National Commission for the Reparation of Victims and the Commission for Truth and Reconciliation. We also welcome the appointment of a new Minister to take forward recommendations from these bodies and we welcome proposals to enhance the role and enshrine the mandate of the Commission for Human Rights in consultations on an amended Constitution.
Finally, UNOCI’s draw-down will mean the departure of its Human Rights Division, which plays a key role during, and importantly, between, the Independent Expert’s visits. We would like to ask how can partners and the Government work together to ensure effective human rights support and assistance during Côte d’Ivoire’s period of transition following UNOCI’s draw down.
Thank you Mr President