Côte d’Ivoire
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for December 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for December 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire.
In its consideration of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, the Security Council should ensure it addresses the continuing high level of sexual violence, and support justice and reconciliation processes to hold accountable perpetrators of all violations of human rights. Failure to address prior abuses committed risks undermining efforts by the ICC and the development of the rule of law.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for September 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for September 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Secretary-General‟s next report on Cote d‟Ivoire (UNOCI) should reflect the impact on peace of continued insecurity and instability, violence by armed forces, and arbitrary arrests in the South and West, and crimes of sexual violence. Women continue to be under-represented in decision-making bodies, including the Truth and Reconciliation Dialogue Commission. The report should provide a thorough analysis on these matters, and Council members should address key issues such as women‟s participation in the peace processes; gender-based violence includes crimes of sexual violence; and how to ensure security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes include measures to address the specific concerns of women. The Council should also inquire into concrete steps to address impunity for violence against women, particularly given the extensive use of sexual violence in the conflict in Cote d’Ivoire.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for July 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for July 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire.
Cote d’Ivoire’s conflict has been marked by grave violations of international law, in which women have often been subject to particular violence, including the killing of 7 women by former President Gbagbo’s security forces during a peaceful demonstration. NGOs have documented large numbers of rapes both in Abidjan and in the far west of the country, in which all parties to the conflict are implicated in crimes, according to the international Commission of Inquiry. Many of these rapes, particularly in Abidjan, targeted women on political or ethnic grounds. Women in the far west were at times held captive for days and raped repeatedly. Impunity has defined Côte d’Ivoire for the last decade, but nowhere more so than for sexual violence: armed forces and civilians alike have been able to rape with almost no fear of prosecution.
The Council must ensure that the UN strongly supports prosecutions of those implicated in sexual violence, and supports the provision of effective protection and care for victims and witnesses. This should include encouraging the government to permanently establish free emergency medical services for survivors of sexual violence, such as access to medical examinations, post-exposure prophylaxis drugs and antibiotics, psychosocial care, and follow-up consultations. In areas like the far west, where health infrastructure is often inadequate, the government should ensure sufficient coverage through training mobile teams and traditional healers. Bureaucratic barriers to investigations, such as expensive medical certificates that many police and gendarmes demand before beginning an investigation, should be abolished permanently.
As Côte d’Ivoire establishes judicial and other mechanisms to deal with the grave crimes committed, the Security Council must fully support women’s roles in designing and leading these initiatives. President Ouattara has taken steps toward establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), for example, but so far none of the three leaders named are women. For the TRC to meaningfully contribute to reconciliation efforts in Côte d’Ivoire, women should be given a leadership role and an effective voice in the body from the outset, to the finalization of its work. Côte d’Ivoire has a strong group of women in civil society who can provide an invaluable contribution to the TRC and efforts to achieve justice.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for June 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for June 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire.
In light of the UNOCI mandate renewal due on 30 June, the Council is urged to give particular consideration to the rights of women across all areas of its mandate, and to ensure peacekeeping forces prioritize their protection. The Council should:
- Insist that the government, the UN system and Member States actively include women in discussions on restoring stability;
- Request information about the status of women, including those who may be targeted for ethnic and/or political violence, and refugee and internally displaced women who have been subjected to gender-specific violence;
- Ensure justice for the crimes under international law committed by any side, including sexual or gender-based crimes;
- Support the International Commission of Inquiry created by the Human Rights Council and the office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, including by urging all relevant actors to grant investigators full access to all relevant documents, evidence and persons; and demand that those cooperating with the investigations are protected from reprisals;
- Support the creation of a program for immediate and effective assistance to victims of gender-based violence, in particular to ensure that victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence have access to appropriate health services;
- Urge the UN to thoroughly assess continuing protection needs with a view to redeploy peacekeepers in certain areas where reprisals and other violence against civilians may be ongoing, and to evaluate and publish an assessment of the role played by UNOCI in the post-28 November 2010 events, in order to draw lessons on how the UN could better contribute to the protection of civilians, in particular women, in similar situations in the future.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for May 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for May 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire:
In implementing SCR 1975 (2011), and in light of the UN Mission (UNOCI) mandate renewal due in June, the Council is urged to give particular consideration to the rights of women across all areas of its mandate, and to ensure peacekeeping forces prioritize their protection. The Council should:
- Request information about the status of women including those targeted for political violence, and refugee and internally displaced women who have been subjected to gender-specific violence.
- Ensure there is no impunity for the crimes under international law committed by any side;
- Support the International Commission of Inquiry created by the UN Human Rights Council, and link these investigations with the work of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, which has jurisdiction to investigate crimes under international law committed in Cote d’Ivoire;
- Support all UN entities to work with the government to strengthen, and more effectively coordinate, mechanisms to protect women and girls from gender-based violence;
- Insist that the government, the UN system and member states actively include women in discussions on restoring stability;
- Ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the thousands of people in the Blolequin bush area who lack adequate food/shelter.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for April 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for April 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire:
In implementing SCR 1975 regarding Côte d’Ivoire, the Council is urged to give particular consideration to the rights of women, and ensuring peacekeeping forces prioritize their protection. This includes women who are targeted for violence for their political actions, and the refugee and internally displaced women who have been subjected to gender-specific violence. The Council should:
- In implementing SCR 1975 regarding Côte d’Ivoire, the Council is urged to give particular consideration to the rights of women, and ensuring peacekeeping forces prioritize their protection. This includes women who are targeted for violence for their political actions, and the refugee and internally displaced women who have been subjected to gender-specific violence. The Council should:
- Ensure there is no impunity for the crimes under international law committed as a result of the current political conflict;
- Consider sanctions against new individuals who might be responsible for human rights violations or might be inciting the commission of those violations;
- Ensure the strict implementation of the protection of civilians mandate of the Mission, the enforcement of the arms embargo;
- Support the International Commission of Inquiry created by the HRC and link these investigations with the work of the ICC Prosecutor, with jurisdiction to investigate crimes under international law committed in Côte d’Ivoire;
- Ensure UN agencies work with the government to strengthen protection and GBV coordination mechanisms;
- Ensure women are actively included in discussions around promoting stability and resolving the current crisis.
Download April 2011 MAP
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for March 2011
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for March 2011, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire:
In light of the current instability and increasing violence in Cote d’Ivoire, the Council should ensure that protection of civilians, including women, and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law is central to all action on the situation. Human rights violations, including sexual violence, have been perpetrated by forces on both sides of the current dispute, and women and children are increasingly vulnerable as civilians are displaced due to fighting. The Council should inquire as to what efforts are being made by UNOCI to intensify efforts related to the protection of women, and ensure any future work related to the mandate prioritizes these issues.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for December 2010
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for December 2010, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire:
In the wake of the long-delayed elections, the Council will discuss the UN mission in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), which is due for renewal at the end of December. Given that women and girls are often subject to crimes of sexual violence, including rape, the Council should ensure the mission including its leadership and human rights unit monitor regularly provide public reports on rights violations, and that the mission is working with the Cote d’Ivoire government to ensure protection of civilians is a priority.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for May 2010
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for May 2010, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire:
The upcoming discussion in the Security Council on renewal of the mandate for the United Nations Operation in Cote-d’Ivoire (UNOCI) should focus on women’s participation and empowerment, and on the increasing reports of sexual abuse of girls and women in both the government-controlled south and rebel-held north. Women’s organizations have not been systematically included in peace talks, in DDR programs, nor in other UN-led stabilization processes, and their concerns are not being consistently addressed by the government. Specific entry points for the Council include:
- Clearly prioritizing women’s participation as the country prepares for the pending presidential elections;
- Encouraging the human rights section of UNOCI to increase their monitoring and reporting of any rise in attacks on women, as well as efforts by the government to address same;
- Ensuring judicial reform brings domestic laws into conformity with Côte d’Ivoire’s obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, including strengthening laws that prohibit sexual violence, domestic violence and uphold women’s right to property, and ensuring resources are available to improve services for survivors;
- Strengthening and implementing programs to address gender-based violence, particularly sexual violence.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for January 2010
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for January 2010, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire:
The upcoming report on UNOCI should address how current challenges with disarmament programs are impacting women and girls. In the upcoming mandate renewal for UNOCI, action by the Security Council could include:
- Prioritizing women’s participation in post-conflict recovery, in peace talks and in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs as well as other UN-led stabilization processes.
- The monitoring and investigation of human rights violations to end impunity, including for sexual violence, and mechanisms for accountability; and judicial reform align domestic laws with international human rights and humanitarian law.
- Resources must be made available to ensure basic quality medical care for survivors, and for training of police, judges, and prosecutors to change the attitudes and practices that prevent women from seeking help.
- Concrete means to better implement UNOCI’s mandate to address gender-based violence, and in particular sexual violence.
For relevant resources published by NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Members, please click here.
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Member Resources
Côte d’Ivoire: Military Promotions Mock Abuse Victims
August 5th, 2011
Human Rights Watch
(Washington) – The promotion of two Côte d’Ivoire military commanders against whom there are serious allegations of involvement in grave crimes raises concerns about President Alassane Ouattara’s commitment to end impunity and ensure justice for victims, Human Rights Watch said today.
[Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Act Swiftly on UN Inquiry | Human Rights Watch
June 15th, 2011
Human Rights Watch
The Ivorian government should swiftly carry out the main recommendations of a new United Nations report and ensure fair, credible justice for grave crimes committed after the 2010 presidential elections, Human Rights Watch said today.
[Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Both Sides Responsible for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
25 May 2011
Amnesty International
This report discusses how both the forces allied to former Côte d’Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo and incumbent Alassane Ouattara committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the six moths of deadly violence that followed the disputed elections.
[Full Article]
Relief groups in Ivory Coast call for more international aid
14 April 2011
International Refugee Commission
The International Rescue Committee and 12 other aid agencies warned that the situation in Ivory Coast and Liberia has descended into a huge humanitarian disaster which requires urgent international funding.
[Full Article]
UN Protection Needed For Tens Of Thousands Of Displaced Civilians In Côte D’ivoire
13 April 2011
Amnesty International
The UN mission in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) must protect the tens of thousands of civilians displaced by the conflict who wish to return to their home villages but are afraid to do so, Amnesty International said today. [Full Article]
Reprisal Attacks Against Gbagbo Supporters In Côte D’Ivoire Must Stop
12 April 2011
Amnesty International
Perceived supporters of former Côte d’Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo are at risk of violent reprisals, despite President Alassane Outtara’s call for Ivorians to “abstain from all forms of reprisals and violence”, Amnesty International warned today. [Full Article]
Ivory Coast: Reconciliation & Reconstruction or Revenge & Ruin
12 April 2011
Refugees International
Today’s top headline out of West Africa is the arrest of former President Laurent Gbagbo after his underground compound was reportedly stormed by Ivorian and international forces. After months of war, millions of people displaced, and thousands dead, President-elect Alassane Ouattara has serious challenges ahead as he begins to lead the Ivory Coast. [Full Article]
Statement on the Apprehension of Laurent Gbagbo
11 April 2011
Human Rights Watch
This statement on the apprehension of Laurent Gbagbo stresses that Ouattara’s new government needs to ensure that all those responsible for the crimes that have characterized this painful period of Cote d’Ivoire’s history face fair justice, regardless of their rank or political allegiance. [Full Statement]
Côte d’Ivoire: Ouattara Forces Kill, Rape Civilians During Offensive
9 April 2011
Human Rights Watch
Forces loyal to President-elect Alassane Ouattara killed hundreds of civilians, raped more than 20 alleged supporters of his rival, Laurent Gbagbo, and burned at least 10 villages in Côte d’Ivoire’s far western region, Human Rights Watch said today. Forces loyal to Gbagbo killed more than 100 presumed Ouattara supporters as Ouattara’s forces advanced in their March campaign. Upon taking power, Ouattara should urgently open a credible and impartial investigation into serious abuses by both sides and ensure that those responsible at all levels are brought to justice, Human Rights Watch said. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Ouattara Should Act to Control Troops
2 April 2011
Human Rights Watch
Alassane Ouattara should take concrete measures to ensure that troops under his command fighting in Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial capital, Abidjan, do not commit reprisals or other abuses against civilians or supporters of Laurent Gbagbo, Human Rights Watch said today. Ouattara should publicly pledge to hold accountable all members of his forces implicated in serious violations of international law, Human Rights Watch said. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Warning of ‘human rights catastrophe’ as forces reach Abidjan
31 March 2011
Amnesty International
Côte d’Ivoire civilians are at immediate risk of massive human rights violations Amnesty International warned today, as forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara reach the country’s commercial capital Abidjan. “Abidjan is on the brink of a human right catastrophe and total chaos” said Salvatore Saguès, Amnesty International’s researcher on West Africa. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: West African Immigrants Massacred
31 March 2011
Human Rights Watch
Ivorian militias and Liberian mercenaries loyal to Laurent Gbagbo killed at least 37 West African immigrants in a village near the border with Liberia on March 22, 2011, Human Rights Watch said today. In response to the intensifying abuses and descent into civil war, the United Nations Security Council on March 30 imposed strong measures on Gbagbo, the incumbent president, who has refused to step down and cede power to his rival, Alassane Ouattara. [Full Article]
UN peacekeepers in Côte d’Ivoire must protect civilians caught in fighting
29 March 2011
Amnesty International
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) must urgently protect thousands of displaced people sheltering in a Catholic mission in the west of the country amid fierce fighting, Amnesty International said today. As many as 10,000 civilians are sheltering in the mission in the town of Duékoué, after fleeing fierce battles yesterday between forces supporting the internationally recognized elected President Alassane Ouattara and militiamen loyal to outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo. [Full Article]
UN: Rights Body Acts Decisively on Iran, Cote d’Ivoire
25 March 2011
Human Rights Watch
The United Nations Human Rights Council’s decisive action on Iran and Cote d’Ivoire sends a clear message that ongoing violations in those countries should end, Human Rights Watch said today. The council agreed in its session ending on March 25, 2011, to establish new mechanisms to increase scrutiny of human rights conditions in both countries. [Full Article]
Fatal shelling in Côte d’Ivoire condemned
18 March 2011
Amnesty International
Côte d’Ivoire security forces must halt the shelling of civilian areas, Amnesty International said today, after forces loyal to the outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo fired shells into an Abidjan market, killing at least 20 people and wounding around 60. Mortar shells fell without warning on a market in the district of Abobo in the north of Abidjan on Thursday afternoon. The shelling was one of the most serious incidents to take place in Abidjan since the beginning of the current crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, which was sparked by a disputed presidential election four months ago. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Crimes Against Humanity by Gbagbo Forces
15 March 2011
Human Rights Watch
The three-month campaign of organized violence by security forces under the control of Laurent Gbagbo and militias that support him gives every indication of amounting to crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said today. A new Human Rights Watch investigation in Abidjan indicates that the pro-Gbagbo forces are increasingly targeting immigrants from neighboring West African countries in their relentless attacks against real and perceived supporters of Alassane Ouattara, who is internationally recognized as having won the November 2010 presidential election. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire power and water cuts deepen humanitarian crisis
4 March 2011
Amnesty International
Amnesty International has warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Côte d’Ivoire after electricity and water supplies were cut to large parts of the country earlier this week. Central, northern and western areas of the country are now suffering from poor sanitation and disrupted medical facilities, according to information and eyewitness accounts gathered by Amnesty International. [Full Article]
Déclaration des Femmes de Côte d’Ivoire
March 2011
Femmes Africa Solidarité
This report describes a statement delivered to the HRC by two women from Côte d’Ivoire. [Full Report]
Tens of thousands at risk in Côte d’Ivoire as fighting intensifies
1 March 2011
Amnesty International
Amnesty International has urged authorities in Côte d’Ivoire to protect the population as tens of thousands of people were forced to flee heavy gunfire amid intensified fighting across the country. Clashes between armed commandos and members of the security forces loyal to outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo have persisted for several days in the city of Abidjan, leaving many dead. [Full Article]
Sexual violence and other human rights abuses in Côte d’Ivoire must stop
22 February 2011
Amnesty International
Human rights violations including sexual violence and unlawful killings are being perpetrated by forces loyal to both Côte d’Ivoire’s outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo and internationally recognized incumbent Alassane Ouattara, an Amnesty International investigation has revealed. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Violence Campaign by Security Forces, Militias
26 January 2011
Human Rights Watch
Security forces under the control of Laurent Gbagbo and militias that support him have, since late November 2010, committed extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, and rape, Human Rights Watch said today. An in-depth investigation into violations in the commercial capital, Abidjan, revealed an often-organized campaign of violence targeting members of opposition political parties, ethnic groups from northern Côte d’Ivoire, Muslims, and immigrants from neighboring West African countries, Human Rights Watch said. Gbagbo has claimed the presidency following disputed elections in November and retains control of the security forces in Abidjan. [Full Article]
Côte D’Ivoire: Leaders Should Prevent Abuses by Their Forces
24 February 2011
Human Rights Watch
This article urges leaders from both sides of the worsening political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire to take all necessary steps to prevent civilian abuses by their forces.[Full Article]s
Côte d’Ivoire: AU Should Press Gbagbo to Halt Abuses
23 February 2011
Human Rights Watch
The African Union delegation tasked with resolving the political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire should work to end gross violations of human rights by forces under the control of Laurent Gbagbo. The delegation left the country on February 23, 2011, with plans to issue their recommendations in the coming days. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Violence Campaign by Security Forces, Militias
26 January 2011
Human Rights Watch
Security forces under the control of Laurent Gbagbo and militias that support him have, since late November 2010, committed extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, and rape. [Full Article]
Fresh Côte d’Ivoire violence erupts as armed groups clash
12 January 2011
Amnesty International
Amnesty International has warned of a fresh outbreak of violence in Côte d’Ivoire following the country’s disputed presidential elections after some of the worst armed clashes so far broke out in the city of Abidjan today. [Full Article]
Deadly Côte d’Ivoire raid as crisis talks agreed
5 January 2011
Amnesty International
Amnesty International today called on Côte d’Ivoire security forces to stop their attacks on political opponents as new information was revealed about a deadly raid on political allies of Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner of the presidential election. [Full Article]
ECOWAS mediation must prioritise human rights in Côte d’Ivoire
2 January 2011
Amnesty International
Mediators appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must place the protection of human rights at the heart of their efforts to end the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, Amnesty International said today. The mediators are set to return to Côte d’Ivoire on 3 January in an attempt to find a solution to the political deadlock following the disputed 28 November presidential election. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Pro-Gbagbo Forces Abducting Opponents
23 December 2010
Human Rights Watch
Security forces associated with Laurent Gbagbo are abducting and “disappearing” his rival’s supporters. Alassane Ouattara, Gbagbo’s rival, is widely believed to have won last month’s disputed presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire. Ivorian leaders who order and encourage these kinds of grave human rights abuses could be held accountable by the International Criminal Court. [Full Article]
Defenceless people need urgent protection from escalating violence in Côte d’Ivoire
21 December 2010
Amnesty International
Eyewitnesses have told Amnesty International that abductions, disappearances and physical abuse are increasing as post-election violence escalates in Côte d’Ivoire. Amnesty International has received a growing number of reports of people being arrested or abducted at home or on the streets, often by unidentified armed attackers accompanied by elements of the Defence and Security Forces and militia groups. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Injured protesters denied medical care
17 December 2010
Amnesty International
Eyewitnesses have told Amnesty International that protestors seriously injured during yesterday’s mass protests in the Côte d’Ivoire city of Abidjan were denied medical treatment amid threats from security forces. Media reports said that up to 30 people were killed on 16 December as Ivorian security forces opened fire on unarmed protestors who had taken to the streets in an attempt to break the political deadlock that has followed the country’s disputed presidential election on 28 November. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Security forces kill at least ten unarmed demonstrators
16 December 2010
Amnesty International
Eyewitnesses have told Amnesty International that at least ten unarmed protesters were killed today in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, during mass protests over a political deadlock following presidential elections. The demonstrators were joining the mass street protests called by the internationally recognized president Alassane Ouattara following disputed elections. They were marching from various locations in the capital Abidjan in an attempt to seize the state broadcaster Radio Télévision ivorienne (RTI) when security forces opened fire at point blank range. [Full Article]
Ivory Coast: Call for the protection of civilians and respect of the population’s fundamental rights
16 December 2010
Human Rights Watch
Very concerned about the current political and security situation in Ivory Coast, African civil society and international NGOs firmly condemn acts of violence against civilians and constraints to their fundamental rights and liberties. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Ensure Security, Protect Expression, Movement
4 December 2010
Human Rights Watch
President Laurent Gbagbo should ensure that authorities under his control fully respect the rights of all Ivorians, including opposition supporters, to security, freedom of movement, and free expression. The Ivorian government closed the country’s ground borders and air space, cut off broadcasts by the international media, and curtailed the movement of journalists and reporters just hours before the Ivorian Constitutional Council on December 3, 2010, controversially overturned the verdict of the Independent Election Commission and named Gbagbo the winner of a November 28 run-off election. [Full Article]
Côte d’Ivoire: Rampant Criminality, Sexual Violence in West
22 October 2010
Human Rights Watch
Well-armed criminal gangs in western Côte d’Ivoire subject local residents to a relentless stream of abuses, including assault, robbery, and sexual violence. The Ivorian authorities, who have failed to prevent or respond to the violence, should undertake patrols in hard-hit areas, investigate and prosecute crimes, and punish members of security forces who have failed to protect the population. [Full Article]
Afraid and Forgotten: Lawlessness, Rape, and Impunity in Western Côte d’Ivoire
October 2010
Human Rights Watch
This report documents the physical and sexual violence in the western administrative regions of Moyen Cavally and Dix-Huit Montagnes. [Full Report]
Côte d’Ivoire: Peace Process Fails to Address Sexual Violence
2 August 2007
Human Rights Watch
Pro-government and rebel forces in Côte d’Ivoire have subjected thousands of women and girls to rape and other brutal sexual assaults with impunity. Despite recent progress in the peace process, the latest accord fails to address this widespread sexual violence or the need for accountability. [Full Article]
My heart is cut: Sexual violence by rebels and pro-government forces in Cote d’Ivoire
August 2007
Human Rights Watch
Pro-government and rebel forces in Côte d’Ivoire have subjected thousands of women and girls to rape and other brutal sexual assaults with impunity. This 135-page report details the widespread nature of sexual violence throughout the five-year military-political crisis. The report, which is based on interviews with more than 180 victims and witnesses, documents how women and girls have been subjected to individual and gang rape, sexual slavery, forced incest and other egregious sexual assaults. [Full Report]
Targeting Women: The Forgotten Victims of the Conflict
March 2007
Amnesty International
Report exploring the nature and scale of sexual violence during the conflict, the need to end impunity and the physical, psychological, and social aftermath of rape in Cote d’Ivoire since 2002. [Full Report]
Member Organizations
© 2012 NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security