Côte d’Ivoire
NGOWG MAP Recommendations | NGO Resources
NGOWG MAP Recommendations
Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for December 2012
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for December 2012, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire.
In its discussion of the expected report on Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), the Council should ensure information is provided on ongoing impunity for sexual and gender-based violence, and barriers to women’s full participation in justice and reconciliation processes. In addition, the report should cover the role of women in peacebuilding process, security sector reform, and DDR, including the socio-economic factors affecting female ex-combatants and associates of ex-combatants.
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Monthly Action Points on Women, Peace & Security for July 2012
NGO Working Group on Women, Peace & Security
In the MAP for July 2012, the NGOWG had several recommendations for the Security Council on the current situation in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN mission in Cote d’Ivoire. Recent violence in Cote d’Ivoire has compounded the challenges of continued impunity and the lack of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs. In its renewal of the UNOCI mandate, the Council should:
- Ensure it strongly supports the urgent implementation of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs;
- Mandate UNOCI to strongly support effective efforts against sexual violence, in both preventive actions, training of police and judicial actors, sensitizing the local population, and in the provision of services to survivors; and
- In the context of combating impunity, ensure support for reforming the security sector and judicial sectors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
NGOWG MAP Recommendations | NGO Resources | Top
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.
NGOWG MAP Recommendations | NGO Resources | Top
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.
NGOWG MAP Recommendations | NGO Resources | Top
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.
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NGO Resources
Côte d’Ivoire: Military Promotions Mock Abuse Victims
5 August 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Act Swiftly on UN Inquiry
15 June 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Both Sides Responsible for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
25 May 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Relief groups in Ivory Coast call for more international aid
14 April 2011
International Refugee Commission
Link
UN Protection Needed For Tens Of Thousands Of Displaced Civilians In Côte d’Ivoire
13 April 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Reprisal Attacks Against Gbagbo Supporters In Côte d’Ivoire Must Stop
12 April 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Ivory Coast: Reconciliation & Reconstruction or Revenge & Ruin
12 April 2011
Refugees International
Link
Statement on the Apprehension of Laurent Gbagbo
11 April 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Ouattara Forces Kill, Rape Civilians During Offensive
9 April 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Ouattara Should Act to Control Troops
2 April 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Warning of ‘human rights catastrophe’ as forces reach Abidjan
31 March 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: West African Immigrants Massacred
31 March 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
UN peacekeepers in Côte d’Ivoire must protect civilians caught in fighting
29 March 2011
Amnesty International
Link
UN: Rights Body Acts Decisively on Iran, Cote d’Ivoire
25 March 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Fatal shelling in Côte d’Ivoire condemned
18 March 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Crimes Against Humanity by Gbagbo Forces
15 March 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire power and water cuts deepen humanitarian crisis
4 March 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Déclaration des Femmes de Côte d’Ivoire
March 2011
Femmes Africa Solidarité
Link
Tens of thousands at risk in Côte d’Ivoire as fighting intensifies
1 March 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Sexual violence and other human rights abuses in Côte d’Ivoire must stop
22 February 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Violence Campaign by Security Forces, Militias
26 January 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte D’Ivoire: Leaders Should Prevent Abuses by Their Forces
24 February 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: AU Should Press Gbagbo to Halt Abuses
23 February 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Violence Campaign by Security Forces, Militias
26 January 2011
Human Rights Watch
Link
Fresh Côte d’Ivoire violence erupts as armed groups clash
12 January 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Deadly Côte d’Ivoire raid as crisis talks agreed
5 January 2011
Amnesty International
Link
ECOWAS mediation must prioritise human rights in Côte d’Ivoire
2 January 2011
Amnesty International
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Pro-Gbagbo Forces Abducting Opponents
23 December 2010
Human Rights Watch
Link
Defenceless people need urgent protection from escalating violence in Côte d’Ivoire
21 December 2010
Amnesty International
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Injured protesters denied medical care
17 December 2010
Amnesty International
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Security forces kill at least ten unarmed demonstrators
16 December 2010
Amnesty International
Link
Ivory Coast: Call for the protection of civilians and respect of the population’s fundamental rights
16 December 2010
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Ensure Security, Protect Expression, Movement
4 December 2010
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Rampant Criminality, Sexual Violence in West
22 October 2010
Human Rights Watch
Link
Afraid and Forgotten: Lawlessness, Rape, and Impunity in Western Côte d’Ivoire
22 October 2010
Human Rights Watch
Link
Côte d’Ivoire: Peace Process Fails to Address Sexual Violence
2 August 2007
Human Rights Watch
Link
My heart is cut: Sexual violence by rebels and pro-government forces in Cote d’Ivoire
August 2007
Human Rights Watch
Link
Targeting Women: The Forgotten Victims of the Conflict
15 March 2007
Amnesty International
Link
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