Côte d’Ivoire: UN rights expert to follow up on the situation of internally displaced persons

GENEVA (13 June 2014) – The United Nations independent expert Chaloka Beyani will visit Côte d’Ivoire from 16 to 20 June 2014 to undertake a follow up mission to his last visit in July 2012, when he examined the overall situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country.

“During my visit, I will follow up on the recommendations made in my previous reports to the UN Human Rights Council, and gather first-hand information from all parties, including displaced persons and affected communities themselves,” said the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons.

“I will also look at current challenges and opportunities for durable solutions for IDPs in Côte d’Ivoire, and discuss the progress made with regard to their protection and assistance,” Mr. Beyani added.

The Special Rapporteur will also attend the World Humanitarian Summit regional consultation in Abidjan on 19-20 June.

During his five-day visit, Mr. Beyani will meet with representatives from the Government, UN partners, and civil society, among others.

ENDS

Chaloka Beyani, professor of international law at the London School of Economics, was appointed Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons by the Human Rights Council in September 2010. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity. Learn more, log on to: http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-internally-displaced-persons

To see the 2012 report by the Special Rapporteur, please visit:
http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/23/44/Add.1

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement: http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-internally-displaced-persons/international-standards

UN Human Rights, Country Page – Côte d’Ivoire: http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/cote-divoire

For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Abidjan (during the visit): Nora Sturm (+225 06 43 07 61/ STURMN@unhcr.org)
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Marie-Eve Friedrich (+41 22 917 9713 / mfriedrich@ohchr.org) or write to idp@ohchr.org

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)

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