U.N. Ivory Coast session must investigate abuses

Rights group urges U.N. Ivory Coast session to investigate abuses

GENEVA, December 23, 2010 - In testimony delivered before today's U.N. Human Rights Council emergency session on the Ivory Coast, the Geneva-based human rights organization UN Watch urged the dispatch of an international fact-finding mission, "to conclude today’s session not only with words, but also with concrete action that will help the victims." The testimony as delivered follows below.

Thank you, Mr. President.

UN Watch welcomes this special session to urgently address the human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire, which continues to deteriorate.

UN Watch expresses its deep concern over the post-election violence. Witnesses have reported abductions, disappearances, and physical abuse by armed attackers.

According to the United Nations, there have been more than 50 people killed, and over 200 injured.

The international community must act to ensure that violations are halted immediately.

How can this council contribute?

The High Commissioner for Human Rights, in regard to Côte d’Ivoire, stated as follows: “When people are victims of extrajudicial killings, there must be an investigation, and there must be accountability.”

Mr. President, we agree.

UN Watch urges this council to conclude today’s session not only with words, but also with concrete action that will help the victims.

We call on the council to create an international and independent fact-finding mission to investigate all allegations of violations in Côte d’Ivoire, no matter the identity of the perpetrator or victim. The members of the mission should be objective and impartial, and the mandate should be non-prejudicial. This will ensure a credible process and result.

Thank you, Mr. President.

www.unwatch.org

ENDS

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