Côte d’Ivoire - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 33, May 7, 2019
Recommendations by Canada

Background

According to UPR Info, a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that tracks the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, in the first two cycles of the UPR, Côte d’Ivoire received 345 recommendations, of which 299 were accepted (an acceptance rate of 87%). Canada’s previous recommendations to Côte d’Ivoire were related to violence against women, national reconciliation, and rule of law.

Following two devastating civil wars, Côte d’Ivoire has retaken its leadership in the region as a stable and economically prosperous country, but there are concerns the 2020 Presidential elections could affect the country’s recent peace and stability. The Government of Côte d’Ivoire has taken several steps in recent years to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. It has strengthened freedom of the press through the law adopted by the National Assembly in 2017 that prohibits detaining or imprisoning journalists, however, the legislation also contains provisions that curtail the right to freedom of expression, including in relation to defamation, offending the President, and disseminating false news. On several occasions the government prohibited opposition rallies and used tear gas and other non-lethal force to disperse largely peaceful demonstrators.

Sexual and gender-based violence remain frequent, with social stigma and widespread impunity preventing many victims from reporting abuses and obtaining medical care or counseling. Although female genital mutilation has been criminalized, it is still practiced widely, affecting more than a third of women. Ranked 155 out of 158 on the UNDP Gender Inequality Index, Côte d’Ivoire currently has less than 10% of parliamentary seats filled by women.

Another challenge to reconciliation is the perception of impunity and questioning of the rule of law caused in-part by the overburdening of the justice and corrections system.

Recommendations

Thank you, Mr. President.

Canada thanks Côte d’Ivoire for its presentation and applauds the steps taken to establish a legislative framework which recognizes gender equality.

Canada recommends that Côte d’Ivoire:

1. Guarantee the freedom of expression and protection of human rights defenders, independent journalists and political activists by enacting an independent mechanism to ensure the implementation of the 2017 decree on the application of the promotion and protection of human rights defenders law.
2. Implement legislation to promote the empowerment of women, including their political participation. Combat violence against women through awareness and mobilization campaigns to change social norms, as well as by strengthening legal accountability, and improving national strategic planning to mobilize resources and facilitate greater coordination.
3. Accelerate the implementation of the legislative framework governing land ownership to ensure fair, equitable and predictable land distribution, including for women.

Canada continues to be concerned about the lack of progress in accountability for past human rights violations. We understand the motivations behind the recent amnesty process; however persons allegedly implicated in serious abuses remain in positions of authority within the armed forces and other state apparatus, running contrary to the National Commission of Inquiry recommendations to ensure that those responsible for violations of human rights are brought to justice as soon as possible.