19th Session of the Universal Periodic Review
U.S. Statement delivered by U.S. Chargé d’Affairs, a.i. Peter Mulrean
April 30, 2014
The United States welcomes the delegation from Côte d’Ivoire.
We welcome the adoption of the Acts on acquisition of nationality and authorizing the President to ratify the Statelessness Convention. Their passage has diffused ethnic tensions, and contributed to the prevention and reduction of statelessness within Côte d’Ivoire.
We are concerned, however, about the slow progress of security sector reform, including the Dozos, who, while serving as informal security forces in many communities, have been implicated in human rights abuses. Moreover, Côte d’Ivoire has yet to honor its commitments to promote national reconciliation efforts and advance the rule of law in bringing to justice perpetrators on both sides of the post-election violence.
We also note with concern that children in Côte d’Ivoire continue to be subjected to the worst forms of child labor, and that trafficking of adults remains a serious issue.
We recommend that Côte d’Ivoire:
- Investigate, and when appropriate, prosecute perpetrators of serious crimes, including abuses perpetrated by both sides of the post-election violence, on a non-discriminatory basis and regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations, to promote national reconciliation and the rule of law;
- Take concrete steps to combat impunity with respect to human rights abuses committed by security forces, including Dozos, by increasing governmental oversight of their operations, investigating credible allegations, and prosecuting cases where appropriate;
- Take the necessary measures to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, specifically in mining, forced begging, and commercial sexual exploitation.