REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS TO VISIT CÔTE D’IVOIRE

17 April 2006

The Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced persons, Dr. Walter Kälin, will undertake an official visit to Côte d’Ivoire, including the regions of Guiglo, Toulepleu and Bouaké, from 17 to 25 April.

The mission will allow the Representative to study the situation of internal displacement in the country and to engage in dialogue with the Government, internally displaced persons, international agencies, non-governmental organizations and other relevant actors. He will address effective responses to internal displacement, explore durable solutions, and aim to strengthen partnerships among concerned parties, from the perspective of the human rights of internally displaced persons. He will present a report on his findings and recommendations to the new Human Rights Council.

Dr. Kälin was appointed to the post of Representative in 2004 at the recommendation of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.