SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTIONS CONCERNED ABOUT SITUATION IN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

12 December 2002



The Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Asma Jahangir, today expressed her serious concern about recent reports of extrajudicial executions which are said to have taken place in Côte d'Ivoire.
The Special Rapporteur said she has been following the situation in the country closely since fighting erupted in September 2002. It has been alleged that both Government and armed groups have engaged in extrajudicial and summary executions of civilians. It is also reported that several mass graves have been identified recently.
The Special Rapporteur urged all parties in the conflict to refrain from carrying out extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. Ms. Jahangir also affirmed the absolute necessity of identifying perpetrators and of ensuring that they are held accountable in conformity with international standards.



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