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 (May 2011)
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.
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.
Relevant Resources
