Cote d'Ivoire: senior UN official urges justice for victims of human rights abuses
The call by High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein comes in the wake of the guilty verdicts against numerous supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo charged with offences against the state and its institutions.
“Victims of gross human rights violations, some of which may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, have yet to see justice almost four years since the end of the conflict in Côte d’Ivoire,” he stated in a news release.
“Perpetrators of killings, rapes and other serious breaches of international law – no matter what their background or affiliations – must be promptly prosecuted.”
Côte d’Ivoire’s 2010 presidential election, meant to be the culminating point in a long-running UN-backed peace process, resulted in months of violence – that led to several thousand deaths and numerous human rights violations – when Gbagbo refused to step down after losing to Alassane Ouattara. Gbagbo finally surrendered in April 2011.
According to media reports, the country’s former first lady, Simone Gbagbo, was sentenced this week to 20 years in jail for her role in the post-electoral violence. Her husband, meanwhile, is awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court.
“It is unacceptable that not a single individual has so far been convicted in a civilian court in Côte d’Ivoire on conflict-related human rights violations. And it is deplorable that some of the alleged perpetrators continue to hold official positions of responsibility,” said the High Commissioner.
“While I understand that the case which has just ended was of great significance to the Government, I urge it to now turn its attention to these extremely important human rights cases, without further delay.”
The human rights chief also pointed out that this week’s verdict in the case against 83 alleged supporters and relatives of Gbagbo laid bare structural deficiencies in the judicial system in Côte d’Ivoire that need to be urgently addressed.
“For the peace gains to be secured and sustainable,” he added, “Côte d’Ivoire must prioritize equitable justice, truth and reconciliation, particularly ahead of the presidential elections later this year.”
Photo: UNODC
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