Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Côte d’Ivoire
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Kim D’Auria Vazira
UN Human Rights Council – 26th Session
Geneva,
June 24, 2014
The United States thanks Independent Expert Diene for his work to promote reconciliation and transitional justice in Côte d’Ivoire.
We commend his efforts to raise awareness of the human rights violations and abuses occurring in Côte d’Ivoire.
We also welcome his work to encourage the Government of Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the elections planned for October 2015 to address the underlying causes of over a decade of conflict.
We concur with his observations on the importance of validating voter registries, reforming the Independent Electoral Commission, and promoting dialogue between parties and communities.
We applaud the Independent Expert’s strong focus on transitional justice and reconciliation.
The United States encourages other Special Procedures mandate holders to emulate his strong example.
Finally, looking forward, we believe it is critical that perpetrators of atrocities on all sides of the post-election conflict be held to account in credible, transparent legal processes.
Doing so is critical to break the cycle of inter-communal violence and retribution, and achieve lasting peace.
Question 1:
- We welcome Mr. Diene’s recommendations to employ a holistic approach in addressing the needs of the numerous victims of systemic inter-communal violence.
This violence has plagued the western region of Côte d’Ivoire. We are deeply concerned about recent attacks in the Grabo region.
What specific steps can the government as well as the international community take to address systemic inter-communal violence?
Question 2:
- While we are encouraged that the Ivoirian government renewed the Special Investigative Cell in the Ministry of Justice, there has yet to have been a civilian conviction for crimes committed during the 2010-2011 post-election violence.
What actions should the international community take to further encourage the government to address impunity and seek impartial and independent justice for the many victims of crimes committed by all sides of the conflict?
Question 3:
- We are concerned about the continued prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Côte d’Ivoire.
What specific recommendations do you have for the government to address sexual and gender-based violence?
Question 4:
- We welcome the Government’s efforts in improving social development.
These initiatives include, in particular, the provision of additional 36,000 class rooms, the implementation of programs providing additional 100,000 low-cost housing units, new infrastructure construction, investments in agriculture and health care, and the recent enactment of the Medicare Law.
We appreciate your latest report’s attention to the problem of street children who are both victims and perpetrators of violence.
What steps would you recommend to the government to address issues concerning street children?
Thank you.