Human Rights Council - 26th Regular Session
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Côte d’Ivoire
Australian Statement
24 June 2014
Australia commends Côte d’Ivoire on its engagement with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire. Improved human rights observance is inextricably linked to the security situation in the country; we welcome continued progress in that regard.
Significant challenges remain nonetheless and the lead up to the October 2015 elections is a crucial phase in Cote d’Ivoire’s return to peace and stability. We strongly encourage Cote d’Ivoire to ensure the participation of all political parties, civil society organisations and community leaders in the work of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CDVR). We would welcome the Independent Expert’s advice on how to better align the CDVR and the political process to achieve better results.
Australia remains deeply concerned by the persistent increase in sexual violence in Côte d’Ivoire. We are also troubled by continued atrocities committed by the Forces Republicaines de Cote d’Ivoire (FRCI) and Dozos. We share the Independent Expert’s concern about delays in the investigation and prosecution of major cases of human rights abuses and the continued perception of one-sided justice and lack of accountability. We would be grateful for an elaboration of the Independent Expert’s views on the recently renewed Special Investigation and Examination Unit.
We thank the Independent Expert for organising the international conference on the situation of victims and, with a view to promoting reconciliation, support the Independent Expert’s call to promote victim assistance as a comprehensive national project.