As Delivered by the Delegation of the United States of America
UN Human Rights Council – 28th Session
Geneva,
March 24, 2015
Thank you, Mr. President.
The United States thanks the Independent Expert for his oral report and congratulates him on his appointment. We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Cote d’Ivoire. We are hopeful that the move toward national reconciliation will continue through ongoing inclusive political dialogue and efforts to hold perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses responsible. The United States asks the Independent Expert to assist the government of Cote d’Ivoire to promote national reconciliation and a peaceful presidential election later this year.
In this regard, we have a few questions:
- What are the primary human rights challenges facing Cote d’Ivoire as it prepares to hold the first presidential election since the crisis?
- How will the recent convictions resulting from crimes committed during the 2010-2011 post-election crisis affect the reconciliation process and the upcoming election?
- The United States has consistently pressed for balanced justice to include addressing crimes committed by both sides during the 2010-2011 post-election crisis. However, arrests and prosecutions have thus far have been one-sided. Do you expect any arrests or prosecutions against those who supported President Ouattara during the conflict? What impact might this have on the election?
Thank you.