HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS FOR END TO IMPUNITY IN IVORY COAST

8 November 2002



The following statement was issued on 8 November by High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello:
"The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is deeply concerned by the recent upsurge of summary executions, kidnappings, disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture and ill-treatment in Ivory Coast. The High Commissioner particularly condemns grave violations of the right to life and physical integrity in contravention of the norms of international human rights and international humanitarian law.
"Following his letter of 15 October 2002 to the President of the Republic of Ivory Coast, the High Commissioner reiterates that it is the responsibility of Governments not to leave grave human-rights violations unpunished, and to provide victims with reparations. In addition, the authors of certain human rights violations can be made the subject of international legal proceedings.
"The High Commissioner exhorts the Government to begin immediate, independent, and thorough investigations to establish and identify the authors of these criminal acts and to bring them to justice.
"The High Commissioner for Human Rights appeals to all protagonists to put an end to violence and impunity and to permit the reestablishment of a climate conducive to national reconciliation, respect for the state of law, and a durable peace".



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