Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire
Currently, Cote D’Ivoire ranks as one of the worst African economies on the Global Gender Gap Index, and despite having ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and implemented a National Action Plan per Resolution 1325, inequality, discrimination and violence against women still persist.
After conflict resurfaced in 2010 in the aftermath of disputed elections, women comprised the majority of conflict-related casualties and displaced persons, and continue to be exposed to greater risk. Women are essential for building sustainable peace in Côte D’Ivoire, as evidenced by the work of women on both sides of the conflict. Attempting to discuss their grievances and move forward together, they continue to be systematically excluded from DDR and SSR processes.
Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for increased mechanisms to monitor and enforce the implementation of Cote D’Ivoire’s National Action Plan, and to ensure the fair and full inclusion of women in all of the country’s future elections.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Cote d’Ivoire (April 2011)
In implementing SCR 1975 regarding Cote 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 Cote 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.
In implementing SCR 1975 regarding Cote 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 Cote 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.
Relevant Resources
