Human Rights Council holds separate dialogues on Central African Republic and on Côte d’Ivoire

MIDDAY
 
Hears Address by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador
 
GENEVE (28 June 2016) - The Human Rights Council held at its midday meeting separate interactive dialogues with Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, and with Mohammed Ayat, Independent Expert on the enhancement of capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the field of human rights.
 
The Council also heard an address by Guillaume Long, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, who said that over the last 10 years, Ecuador had seen improvements in all the sustainable development indicators at an unprecedented pace.  Ecuador had had to overcome huge resistance confronting dogmas such as the idea that imposing a neoliberal approach was the only way out of underdevelopment.  Ecuador acknowledged that States were actively participating in drafting a resolution about the need to draft a legally binding instrument on transnational corporations and their impact on human rights.  Another example of the grave international situation was the humanitarian crisis.
 
The United Kingdom spoke in right of reply in response to the Minister’s statement.
 
In her presentation, Marie-Thérèse Keita Bocoum, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, welcomed the adoption by the Government of constitutional reforms and the promulgation of a law on serious human rights violations.  She also welcomed steps taken to ensure accountability, but noted that insecurity and the intimidation of witnesses remained challenging.  Capacity-building of civil society was vital.  There was also a need to prevent new conflicts, show real will, and bring about institutional reforms and win back trust.  The Central African Republic needed to be able to count on the coordinated support of the international community. 
 
Celestin N’zala, Coordinator of the Network for Human Rights in the Central African Republic, said that the peacekeeping operation and humanitarian assistance had confined the armed groups, and that the adoption of the new Constitution had marked the return to constitutional order.  However, given the lack of the effective control of the entire territory by the Government, and because MINUSCA was not carrying out correctly its protection mandate, human rights were still being violated, and civilians were under constant threat of violence by armed forces. 
 
Speaking as the concerned country, Central African Republic said that it had just returned to a normal situation, but security remained a major concern.  The priorities of the Government were based on security, disarming armed groups, and national reconciliation.  Those three pillars were an expression of the fact that many armed groups still controlled parts of the territory of the country.  The Central African Republic was at a crossroads, the country was fragile, and the international community had a responsibility to protect it, and needed to act to make sure its principles were respected.  The international community needed to work together.
 
During the ensuing dialogue, speakers welcomed that the situation in the Central African Republic had significantly improved, despite continuing abuses perpetrated by armed groups against the civilian population and humanitarian convoys.  They welcomed the peaceful holding of elections, and the new Government’s commitments towards disarmament, demobilization and reconciliation.  Speakers stressed the need for accountability, and called for further efforts towards the prompt establishment of the Special Criminal Court and collaboration with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  Speakers particularly underlined the need for accountability for abuses against children by armed groups and United Nations peacekeepers.  They urged the international community to strengthen its support to the Central African Republic. 
 
Speaking during the interactive dialogue on the Central African Republic were European Union, Egypt, Spain, United Kingdom, Republic of Congo, France, Senegal, Portugal, Morocco, Australia, Algeria, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Mozambique, Sudan, Benin, United States, Ghana, China, New Zealand and Ireland. 
 
World Evangelical Alliance, Save the Children International, International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, Human Rights Watch and  Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme also took the floor. 
 
The Council then held an interactive dialogue with Mohammed Ayat, Independent Expert on the enhancement of capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the field of human rights.
 
In his presentation, Mr. Ayat said that Côte d’Ivoire was at a major turning point, as it would now fully own its human rights protection and promotion processes.  This would require both the support and the vigilance of the international community.  It was important that Côte d’Ivoire continued efforts to consolidate stability and prevent community tensions, that it stepped up the fight against terrorism while complying with human rights, and that it consolidated the disarmament process.  The Government also needed to strengthen the judicial system, improve prison conditions, and establish a national human rights institution compliant with the Paris Principles.    
 
Speaking as the concerned country, Côte d’Ivoire noted that its Government had recently created a national committee for the fight against sexual violence in conflict, and a National Observatory for Gender Equality.  Following its adhesion to the Rome Statue, Côte d’Ivoire had begun harmonizing its laws with international instruments, and had continued its cooperation with international mechanisms.  A Ministry on Solidarity and Victim Compensation had been established in order to facilitate the return of 2,000 refugees from Liberia. 
 
During the ensuing dialogue, speakers welcomed positive developments in the fields of human rights and national reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as remarkable progress at the economic and social levels.  Speakers particularly appreciated the efforts made by Côte d’Ivoire to fight sexual abuse of women and children.  Speakers noted with concern allegations of bias within justice proceedings dealing with the post-election crisis in 2011, including the fact that the trial of Simone Gbagbo did not meet fair trial standards.  Priority had to be given to judicial reform, they said, while encouraging Côte d’Ivoire to continue ongoing reforms to fight against impunity and to continue its work with the International Criminal Court. 
 
Speaking during the interactive dialogue on Côte d’Ivoire were European Union, South Africa on behalf of the African Group, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Togo, Mali, Morocco, Benin, Algeria, Australia, China, Congo, Senegal, United States, Egypt, Ghana, Maldives, Belgium and Sudan. 
 
International Catholic Child Bureau, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, International Service for Human Rights, Espace Afrique International and Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme also spoke.  
 
At 3.30 p.m., the Council will continue its full day of meetings with a panel discussion on the use of sport and the Olympic ideal to promote human rights for all. 

Presentation by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic
 
MARIE-THÉRÈSE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, said that people in the Central African Republic expected real change, progress and socio-economic recovery, but noted that young people felt excluded.  Concern was expressed at sexual violence based on gender.  Turning to the issue of transitional justice, she said that the combination chosen by the Government needed to be in line with international legal obligations.  Regarding constitutional reforms, she noted that the new constitution was very important.  With regard to legal proceedings, it was noted that the Government had taken important measures, notably with the promulgation of a law on serious human rights violations.  Despite a delay in setting up a special court, declarations of interest had been made by several States.  A joint project between the United Nations and the Central African Republic to assist the court was being finalized. The intimidation of witnesses was an obstacle. 
 
The Government had committed itself to a truth and reconciliation commission.  One of its prerequisites was security.  If there was no security, witnesses would remain silent.  A detailed road-map was still waited for, information needed to be collected, and an important mapping exercise for main human rights violations was needed.  It was crucial that the international community guaranteed preserving access to existing archives.  On reparations, the Government had held a commemorative day.  Symbolic actions such as that must be welcomed.  Capacity-building of civil society was vital.  Communicating on the different options available for transitional justice was a vital tool to go back to social cohesion.  The Government had to ensure that transitional justice mechanisms examined all the human rights violations as they responded.  There was also a need to prevent new conflict, show real will, bring about institutional reform and win back trust.  The Central African Republic needed to be able to count on the coordinated support of the international community. 
 
Statements by Civil Society and the Concerned Country
 
CELESTIN N’ZALA, Coordinator of the Network for Human Rights in the Central African Republic, said that the Central African Republic was still embroiled in the conflict in which many human rights violations had been committed by the Seleka that had seized power in the coup d’êtat, Anti-Balaka and other armed groups.  The cruelty had led the international community to intervene and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) now had the mandate to protect the civilian population.  The peacekeeping operation and humanitarian assistance had confined the armed groups, and the adoption of the new Constitution had marked the return to constitutional order.  However, given the lack of the effective control of the entire territory by the Government, and because MINUSCA was not carrying out correctly its protection mandate, human rights were still being violated, and civilians were under constant threat of violence by armed groups in areas they controlled.  The unsafe situation compromised the establishment of institutions and the implementation of mechanisms to emerge from the crisis. 
 
The protection of civilians was the major concern and the Government must now put forward protection strategies in cooperation with the international community.  In this sense, the Central African Republic called upon the United Nations Security Council to lift the arms embargo; called upon the United Nations to ensure the effective prosecution for crimes against women and children by the United Nations peacekeepers and to compensate the victims; and urged the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into human rights violations committed in the country, including by the Lord Resistance Army.  
 
Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, said that the Central African Republic had just returned to a normal situation, but security remained a major concern.  The international community was called on to provide the Central African Republic with assistance.  Reconstruction would require a holistic approach, because no lasting peace could pertain until the State had the bare minimum to run the country.  Resources were needed to establish the rule of law and avoid impunity, which seemed to be the rule and not the exception.  The priorities of the Central African Republic were based on security, disarming armed groups, and national reconciliation.  Those three pillars were an expression of the fact that many armed groups still controlled parts of the territory of the country.  Action was needed to save the country’s stricken people.  The Central African Republic was at a crossroads, the country was fragile, and the international community had a responsibility to protect it, and needed to act to make sure its principles were respected.  The international community needed to work together.
 
Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic
 
European Union stressed the importance of the mandate in combatting impunity and agreed that the Special Tribunal with the assistance of the international community should be set up soon.  What were essential measures for transitional justice to ensure reconciliation and lasting peace in the country?  Egypt stressed the important measures by the Government to promote reconciliation and urged it to strengthen the fight against impunity.  The international community should address the rising poverty in the country.  Spain was worried about the return to violence and about the continued strength of armed groups, and urged the Government to exclude from its ranks those who had committed violence, including sexual violence.  United Kingdom welcomed the efforts to bring to a close the transitional period and believed that long-term employment opportunities were needed to provide the population with an alternative to joining armed groups.  It was vital that countries conducted investigations into sexual abuse by the United Nations peacekeepers and so support the United Nations’ pledge of zero-tolerance. 
 
Republic of the Congo noted with concern the volatile security situation in the Central African Republic and said that the consolidation of peace would require successful disarmament and rehabilitation of armed groups.  The violence that had recently broken out in Bangui was a sign for the international community to continue to support the country, said France and called upon the Government to ensure that civilians were protected, in cooperation with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.  The fight against impunity remained the key challenge and France noted the need for a collective effort to establish the Special Tribunal and revamp the whole justice sector.  Senegal said that the political process had achieved progress but the setting up of the high-performing justice sector and the establishment of the effective control of the Government throughout the territory were now key priorities.
 
Portugal welcomed the peaceful holding of the recent elections, but regretted that violence continued, which showed the need for the strengthening of institutions, demilitarization and accountability.  Morocco welcomed the return of law and order, as well as the establishment of a new Government, and underlined the importance of international assistance to be strengthened.  Australia welcomed the Government’s commitment to national reconciliation, and called on all armed groups to cooperate with efforts for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.  Australia encouraged further efforts to establish a Special Criminal Court. 
 
Algeria welcomed the commitment of the Government of the Central African Republic to better handle human rights issues, with the support of the African Union, and encouraged further efforts to consolidate national reconciliation, build the rule of law and combat impunity.  Republic of Korea called on all stakeholders to collaborate towards ending the violence and protecting civilians, and urged the Government to use the revenues of the diamond trade for addressing the root causes of instability in the country.  Luxembourg regretted that humanitarian convoys were repeatedly attacked, and insisted that combatting impunity should remain a priority.  Luxembourg asked a question about the rehabilitation of former child soldiers. 
 
Mozambique took note of the endeavour of the Government  to normalize the lives of the people and said that after the protracted conflict had divided people along ethnic and religious lines, the Central African Republic required a strong transitional justice system in order to embark on a sustainable peace building and deal with human rights violations.  Sudan was concerned about the situation in the Central African Republic, particularly about the increasing violence on religious and ethnic lines.  Sudan called upon the international community to assist the country to emerge from the current crisis and achieve peace.  Benin supported the efforts to promote national reconciliation and urged the international community to continue to assist the Central African Republic in achieving peace and socio-economic development. 
 
United States urged the authorities to remain committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive disarmament and demobilization process, the security sector reform, and the setting up of the Special Criminal Court to prosecute perpetrators of grave human rights violations.  All States that contributed troops for the peacekeeping mission must heed the call for zero tolerance for sexual abuse by peacekeepers.  Ghana urged the investigation into sexual abuse by international peacekeepers and ensuring remedy for victims.  Ghana remained concerned about the fragile security situation.  China welcomed the efforts of the new Government to restore stability, combat impunity and promote human rights and called upon the international community to provide it with constructive assistance in this regard.  China was concerned about sexual abuse by peacekeepers which undermined the reputation of United Nations peacekeeping and urged the participating countries to hold the perpetrators accountable and provide restitution for victims.
 
New Zealand said that the Government needed to prioritize disarmament and reform, strengthen the security and justice sectors, and continue the fight against impunity.  The United Nations had to ensure a zero tolerance policy towards sexual violence by peacekeepers.  Ireland urged the Government to facilitate the establishment of an independent Human Rights Commission, to promote and protect human rights comprehensively, and to actively engage with civil society to protect the most vulnerable.  It also urged the Government to ensure the security of those delivering humanitarian aid. 
 
World Evangelical Alliance, in a joint statement with, Caritas Internationalis (International Confederation of Catholic Charities said that disarming armed groups was imperative, and called on the international community to support efforts for the promotion of dialogue and pluralism, such as the inter-religious platform initiative.  Save the Children International called on all parties to ensure that grave violations against children, including by United Nations peacekeepers, were fully included into the mandate of the Special Criminal Court and other justice and reparation mechanisms.  International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, in a joint statement, remained preoccupied about persistent instability and insecurity in the Central African Republic, and highlighted the need to quickly bring about demobilization, disarmament and reintegration processes.  The establishment of the Special Criminal Court had to be a priority. 
 
Human Rights Watch said that sexual violence by armed groups continued, and noted that investigating and prosecuting those responsible for grave international crimes was a challenging task.  Progress toward the establishment of the Special Criminal Court had been too slow.  Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme condemned the recent killing of a peacekeeper from Senegal, and expressed concern about attacks by armed groups against humanitarian convoys.  It stressed the need for strengthening the capacity of justice institutions for ensuring accountability. 
 
Concluding Remarks
 
Central African Republic said it wished to bring peace.  However, without any international support, the country would simply drift down the stream.  It asked the international community to provide the Central African Republic with the necessary resources in order to support its post-conflict policies.  The law could not be simply spoken.  It had to applied and to that end appropriate structures and funds needed to be in place.
 
MARIE-THÉRÈSE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, said it would not be possible to quickly resolve the security situation in the Central African Republic given the number of arms that were circulating.  It was important to carry out disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, but also to have the inclusion segment.  The root causes of the conflict had to be taken into account.  The national army should be based on republican values, and there should be a clear investigation of army applicants in order to assess who had committed crimes.  All officials in the country expressed the importance of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and national reconciliation.  A commission had been established to work on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration with the international community.  It was important to strengthen and accelerate the thinking on a joint disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, addressing the issues of youth and community affairs.  As for measures against impunity, they comprised the following elements: justice, reparation, non-repetition and reconciliation. 
 
A Special Tribunal would allow for rapid inquiries into the committed crimes and would work together with the International Criminal Court.  With respect to the Special Tribunal, security measures were being taken to ensure a secure site for the court, and the budget had been earmarked for 10 months.  The process could now proceed with the selection of judges.  As for witness protection, it was essential for their feeling of safety and preparation of their statements.  Regarding the alleged abuse of civilians by MINUSCA troops, many troop contributing countries had established inquiries.  It was necessary to act quickly and ensure that the victims of assaults received compensation.  In terms of the justice roadmap, it was important to establish law enforcement police, set up courts, protect the victims, establish tribunals and select judges.  Confidence building measures, which did not require financing, could be also taken, such as, for example, the recognition of Muslim holidays.  Regarding child soldiers, there were programmes initiated by UNICEF, and a child rights programme established by MINUSCA and the Government. 
 
CÉLESTIN NZALA, Coordinator of the Network for Human Rights in the Central African Republic, expressed hope that the participants in the discussion had understood that it was important to provide support to the Central African Republic.  The latest events had highlighted the limits of the current Government of the Central African Republic, which could not carry out alone its policies.  The issue of security was the central prerequisite for moving forward.  It was up to the Government and civil society to define a strategic framework within which everyone could be in agreement.  
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it the Report of the Independent Expert on the enhancement of capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the field of human rights (A/HRC/32/52).
 
Presentation by the Independent Expert on the Enhancement of Capacity-building and Technical Cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the Field of Huma Rights
 
MOHAMMED AYAT, Independent Expert on the enhancement of capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoires in the field of human rights, said that Côte d’Ivoire was at a major turning point in its history, which resulted from efforts it had undertaken to comply with its human rights obligations, the tremendous work carried out by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire, the continued attention by the international community, and the constructive engagement of the Ivorian civil society.  This turning point had led the Security Council to lift the arms embargo, and to end the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire.  These decisions were based on the facts that the security situation had considerably improved, leading to the peaceful holding of elections, and that national reconciliation efforts had made satisfying progress.  Côte d'Ivoire would therefore fully own its human rights protection and promotion processes, which would require both the support and the vigilance of the international community. 
 
Challenges indeed remained important.  First, it was important to continue efforts to consolidate stability and prevent community tensions.  Then, it was important to step up the fight against terrorism while adopting legislation in compliance with human rights.  It was also crucial to consolidate the disarmament process.  Furthermore, the Government would need to continue its efforts to strengthen the judicial system and improve prison conditions for minors and adults, while adopting alternative measures to detention.  Lastly, it was necessary for Côte d’Ivoire to establish a national human rights institution compliant with the Paris Principles.    
 
Statement by the Concerned Country
 
Côte d’Ivoire, speaking as a concerned country, noted that in order to fight sexual violence, the Government had adopted in June 2016 a decree for the creation of a national committee for the fight against sexual violence in conflict.  Upon the suggestion of the Independent Expert, the Government had created the National Observatory for Gender Equality.  Following its adhesion to the Rome Statue, Côte d’Ivoire had begun harmonizing its laws with international instruments, and it had continued its cooperation with international mechanisms.  As for national reconciliation, a Ministry for Solidarity and Victim Compensation had been established in order to facilitate the return of 2,000 refugees from Liberia.  All those measures testified to the country’s efforts to cooperate with the international community and to strengthen the rule of law.
 
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Enhancement of Capacity-building and Technical Cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the Field of Huma Rights
 
European Union said that priority had to be given to judicial reform, and asked how the international community could make sure economic growth benefitted the majority and had a positive impact on the situation.  South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, encouraged the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to continue ongoing reforms in the field of the fight against impunity, and encouraged the Expert to support the country in fulfilling its objectives of consolidating the rule of law.  France said that today, determined commitment remained necessary to consolidate progress achieved over the years, adding that France encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to continue its work with the International Criminal Court. 
 
United Kingdom asked how partners and the Government could work together to ensure effective human rights support and assistance during Côte d’Ivoire’s period of transition following the end of the mandate of the United Nations Operations in Côte d’Ivoire.  Spain drew attention to the definition of rape in the criminal code, and asked if awareness-raising of judges might be useful to ensure the crime was not minimised in practice.  Togo welcomed positive developments in the field of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, notably the creation of two ministries for the promotion and protection of human rights, and also noted that despite the terrorist threat in the region, the security situation in the country had improved.
 
Mali welcomed advances made in the process of national reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire, and congratulated the authorities for having provided compensation to the victims.  The fight against impunity had led to the resumption of the work of tribunals.  Morocco noted that Côte d’Ivoire was consolidating its security situation day by day, and it had made remarkable progress at the economic and social level, as recognized by the international financial institutions.  Benin appreciated the efforts made by Côte d’Ivoire to fight sexual abuse of women and children, and its decision to adopt a national strategy in that respect.  It welcomed the judicial reforms in line with the Rome Statute and the intention to abolish the death penalty. 
 
Algeria hailed the progress made by Côte d’Ivoire in the areas of security, economy and politics, as well as in national reconciliation and compensation for victims.  However, the country still faced security problems due to terrorist threats.  Australia noted that national reconciliation would be key to achieving lasting stability in Côte d’Ivoire.  It noted with concern allegations of bias within justice proceedings dealing with the post-election crisis in 2011.  China stated that Côte d’Ivoire had worked together with the international community to implement national reconciliation and to ensure stability and development.  It urged the international community to provide constructive help to Côte d’Ivoire.  Republic of Congo commended the Government of Côte d’Ivoire for its firm determination to resume national reconstruction and reconciliation. 
 
Senegal expressed appreciation for actions taken by the Government and other relevant bodies to promote human rights, and encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to continue along its path, inviting the international community to continue to support the country.  United States asked which actions the Independent Expert recommended that the Government should prioritize to maintain and build upon gains made following the successful elections in October.  Egypt noted that economic growth had reached 9 per cent, adding that the presidential elections of 2015 had been held in a peaceful and fair manner, and that the country had launched a process of national reconciliation.  Ghana said that the successful implementation of several human rights initiatives by the Government would require material resources and capacity-building, and called on the United Nations and the international community to continue providing Côte d’Ivoire with the assistance it needed. 
 
Maldives commended Côte d’Ivoire on its economic growth, and welcomed national efforts to promote dialogue between different sectors of Ivorian society.  Belgium said clear progress had been made in the field of human rights over the last few years, adding that it was important to consolidate those achievements and continue to work in a constructive fashion to make up for weaknesses in areas like impunity.  Sudan commended positive progress in Côte d’Ivoire, including the creation of two ministries dedicated to human rights protection, improved security conditions, and positive economic growth.  It called for continued financial assistance and capacity building by the international community. 
 
International Catholic Child Bureau, in a joint statement with International Movement of Apostolate in the Independent Social Milieus; and Franciscans International, raised concerns regarding birth registration in Côte d’Ivoire, and recommended that the Government make birth registration the centre of a national plan.  It urged the authorities to establish alternatives to detention for minors.  International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, in a joint statement, regretted that the conditions for a fair trial and satisfying redress for the victims were not ensured during the trial of Simone Gbagbo.  International Service for Human Rights called on the Council to ensure that the resolution renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert contained clear benchmark objectives to be achieved by Côte d’Ivoire, including monitoring the implementation of the defender protection law, strengthening of the independence of the National Human Rights Commission, and making further efforts in the field of transnational justice. 
 
Espace Afrique International welcomed progress achieved by Côte d’Ivoire in the area of development and justice, and urged the Government to pay attention to the recommendations of the Independent Expert to prevent the resurgence of tensions.  It called on the Government to ensure that all cases of human rights violations were punished and not repeated.  Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme welcomed the recent lifting of the arms embargo and the end of the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire.  It remained concerned by the resurgence of certain practices which could pull the country backward, including by the fact that the conditions for a fair trial were not met for the trial of Simone Gbagbo.  
 
Concluding Remarks
 
Côte d’Ivoire thanked all the participants for their comments, questions and other enriching observations, also thanking the Independent Expert and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  It noted that those contributions and the firm will of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to promote and protect human rights would result in the full implementation of rights for all the citizens of the country.  Nevertheless, the Government took note of the concerns expressed by certain delegations.  The authorities were aware of all the challenges.
 
MOHAMMED AYAT, Independent Expert on the enhancement of capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the field of human rights, noted that there was a political will in Côte d’Ivoire to move forward.  The acceptance of all the recommendations made by the Council and other human rights bodies of the United Nations testified to that.  He emphasized the excellent cooperation he had had with officials in Côte d’Ivoire.  As for the question on ensuring that economic progress and political advances were maintained, Mr. Ayat said that if one waited for that progress to reach the most disadvantaged segments of the population, it could be done.  But, a very proactive policy had to be conducted to ensure that the positive outcomes were disseminated throughout the entire population.  The livelihood of two thirds of the population depended on agriculture.  As long as there was focus on dialogue and inclusion of all stakeholders, the country would be going in the right direction.  With respect to communal conflicts, they remained potential problems.  The international community needed to hear all parties before such conflicts erupted.  Locally available resources, such as civil society, religious leaders and community leaders, had to be used to achieve stability.  It was necessary to ensure that all real victims were compensated for their losses.  The new institutional architecture in the country, with a Ministry for Human Rights and a Ministry for Solidarity, Social Cohesion and Victim Compensation, was promising, Mr. Ayat concluded. 
 
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador
 
GUILLAUME LONG, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, said that over the last 10 years, Ecuador had seen improvements in all the sustainable development indicators at an unprecedented pace.  Ecuador had had to overcome huge resistance confronting dogmas such as the idea that imposing a neoliberal approach was the only way out of underdevelopment.  The international community had received shocking information about tax havens with billions hidden by the global elite; Ecuador was proposing that the topic should be discussed by the United Nations General Assembly and hoped the Human Rights Council could discuss links between tax havens and human rights.  Acknowledgment was made of States actively participating in drafting a resolution about the need to draft a legally binding instrument on transnational corporations and their impact on human rights.  Another example of the grave international situation was the humanitarian crisis. Ecuador recognized the right to asylum, noting that it was the country in Latin America with the highest number of refugees.  The diplomatic asylum granted to Julian Assange led the international community to reflect on the importance of political asylum; Mr. Assange’s arbitrary detention had to cease as soon as possible.  Regarding the upcoming United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development to be held in Quito, Mr. Long expressed hopes that the discussion would focus on the lack of housing at the world level as the result of the deregulation of markets and property speculation and the use of housing as a body to be traded, which had resulted in the eroding of human rights.
 
Right of Reply
 
United Kingdom, speaking in a right of reply, said that the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s opinions were not binding and did not prevail over British law.  Mr. Assange had entered the Ecuadorian Embassy in London to escape extradition to Sweden.  This warrant was still active, and the United Kingdom would fulfil its obligations accordingly.

 __________

For use of the information media; not an official record