UN human rights chief urges Cote d’Ivoire presidential candidates and supporters to clearly renounce violence

26 November 2010

GENEVA – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay expressed deep concern Saturday about reports of repeated politically motivated violence, as well overt encouragement of violence, during the run-up to Sunday’s second round of presidential elections.

“Political campaigns and some debates on national TV and radio stations have included speeches and statements which incite violence and hostility against the respective candidates,” Pillay said. “This has clearly been contributing to the mounting political tension across the country. This is dangerous and reckless behaviour that could have disastrous consequences for the nation.”

The High Commissioner noted, however, that “the constructive dialogue during the 25 November televised debate between the two presidential candidates was a positive development.”

“I urge the two candidates and their supporters to refrain from all acts of violence and to actively discourage any further incitement to hatred, so that free, fair and peaceful elections can take place on Sunday,” she said. “Threats, harassment and violence mark a clear attempt to cheat the people of Cote d’Ivoire of their right to a democratic future.”

The High Commissioner also called on all Ivorians, not just the political activists, to practise restraint and to ensure that the human rights of their fellow inhabitants are respected throughout the entire electoral process.
Pillay said UN human rights officers in Cote d’Ivoire were on the alert and would continue to closely monitor the situation across the country before, during and after Sunday’s vote.

ENDS

OHCHR Country Page – Cote d’Ivoire: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/AfricaRegion/Pages/CIIndex.aspx

Learn more about the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/Pages/HighCommissioner.aspx

Log on to OHCHR website: http://www.ohchr.org

For more information and media requests, please contact: Rupert Colville (Tel: +41 22 917 9767 / email: rcolville@ohchr.org) or Xabier Celaya (Tel: +41 22 917 9383 / email: xcelaya@ohchr.org)