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Summary: A compilation of extracts featuring child-rights issues from the reports submitted to the first Universal Periodic Review. There are extracts from the 'National Report', the 'Compilation of UN Information' and the 'Summary of Stakeholder's Information'. Also included is the 'Final Report' and 'Conclusions and Recommendations' from the Review. Cote D'Ivoire - 6th Session - 2009 Scroll to: National Report 53. As of now, Côte d’Ivoire is facing a lack of detention facilities, a shortage of capacity and old and outdated prisons. 55. To deal with this worrying situation, the Government is planning to build a new detention facility in Abidjan to receive the women and the minors, separating them from adult or dangerous prisoners. 99. Under article 7 of the Constitution of 1 August 2000, the State guarantees all citizens equal access to health, education, culture, vocational training and employment. 100. As well as the infrastructure of schools, the preparation of a school register and the introduction of an educational system within its resources, the Government has adopted and is implementing a number of social measures to enable all citizens to exercise their right to education. Since 2000 these new measures comprise the abolition of compulsory school uniforms and of the cost of registering for the first preparatory year (CP1), increasing the number of school canteens in primary and secondary schools and distributing school books free of charge in public primary schools. To date, 7,524,841 school kits have been distributed at a cost of 14,350,362,690 CFA francs, or 22,077,481 euros. 105. The Ministry of Health and Hygiene oversees the implementation of the national programme on reproductive health and family planning. This programme covers a range of activities - awareness-raising, training, education and assistance in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, implemented with the support of NGOs and development partners. 106. The information and awareness-raising campaigns aimed at young people are carried out through health clubs for young people, clubs for education about family or school life (prevention of teenage pregnancies) and counselling centres for the school population. 107. These initiatives have brought encouraging results and are worth pursuing, in spite of the difficulties the country is presently facing. 108. An Expanded Immunization Programme (PEV) has been operating in Côte d’Ivoire since 1978. This is part of the preventive health policy for the population at large, and especially for children and women of reproductive age. This programme targets eight infectious diseases preventable through vaccination: tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, scarlet fever, yellow fever and hepatitis B. 110. In Côte d’Ivoire, the principal strategies for preventing HIV/AIDS infection are the promotion of abstinence, mutual fidelity and low-risk sexual behaviour and the rolling out of advisory and tracing centres (CD) which also work to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV; public education about the work of the centres and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission; proper treatment of sexually transmitted infections, following the syndrome approach; promoting the campaign against the stigmatization and discrimination associated with HIV at the individual and community levels and in the workplace; and promoting positive prevention. 116. There is also a national committee to campaign against violence against women and children, established by the Government in July 2000. It is responsible for advising and assisting vulnerable people facing problems stemming from their position in society. This Committee can take action to pursue cases of rape, excision, forced marriage, abandonment, repudiation, assault and battery, etc. As for cases of gender-based violence (VBG), there have been several achievements: the formation of a centre of excellence dealing with these cases; the holding of special statutory days each year on the question; the initiation, in December 2008, of 16 campaigning days against gender-based violence, and the holding of interregional conference on the subject in Abidjan. Finally, in April 2008 a training session for 35 judges was organized with a view to strengthening the capacity of the courts to combat sexual violence. 117. As for excision, early marriage and forced marriages, the Government consistently supports NGO initiatives to promote their eradication. Awareness-raising campaigns about female genital mutilation (FGM) organized by NGOs with Government support in the southern, western and northern regions of the country have familiarized people with this phenomenon. A total of 225,998 people have been trained to be aware of FGM and sexual violence, and psycho-social and medical care is being provided by various organizations for 455 victims. There are 25 monitoring committees taking part in the campaign against FGM, and their role has improved awareness and helped to reduce the scale of the problem, while providing care for victims of sexual violence. 120. Article 6 of the Constitution provides that the State shall protect children. 121. Children’s welfare and development in society is one of the Government’s main concerns. A number of strategies have been put in place to combat abuses of children, especially in the form of child trafficking. Under decree 2001-467 of 5 July 2001, the Government set up the National Committee to Combat Child Trafficking (CNLTEE), and in July 2005 it signed a multilateral cooperation agreement among West African countries for the purpose of combining efforts to put an end to this scandal. 122. A national plan of action against child trafficking and child labour was adopted in 2007, and ILO Conventions Nos. 138 and 182, the Minimum Age Convention and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, were ratified in 2003. 123. One of the main challenges is how to cope with the unexpected effects of the crisis, including the effects of psychological and social trauma and the degradation of living conditions. Specific projects have been developed and implemented to care for children and ensure their reintegration, notwithstanding the unfavourable political and economic situation. 124. Moreover, there is serious concern about the plight of street children, caused by dysfunctional family units in urban areas. Many voluntary or charitable measures are in progress or are planned by public or private initiatives to deal with this by taking care of the children or returning them to their families. 125. Finally, as regards the situation of orphans or children who are vulnerable through HIV/AIDS (OEV - orphans and vulnerable children) the State has adopted a care policy and intervention plans for the periods 2004-2006 and 2007-2010, together with a follow-up and evaluation plan for 2007-2010. The available quantifiable data show that: 10 social care centres for the OEVs are available within the country 120 health professionals are being trained at 16 locations to take care of the OEVs 80 social workers are being trained at 4 locations Legal, medical, nutritional, scholastic and psychological support is being provided for the scheme, and 10,000 OEV children are being brought into education 126. On the legal plane, there are criminal sanctions in the Penal Code for attacks on the physical and moral integrity of children. 147. As part of the actions contemplated to meet the challenges faced by Côte d’Ivoire in defending and promoting human rights, ratification of the following instruments is expected in the near future:The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, concerning the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography 7. In 2001, while noting the efforts undertaken under the State’s Plan of Action to fight child trafficking, CRC remained deeply concerned at the large number of child victims of trafficking for the purpose of exploitation in the agricultural, mining and domestic service sectors and other forms of exploitation. In October 2007, the Secretary-General reported that, in May 2007, the Ministry of Family, Women and Social Affairs, the judicial police, the International Organization for Migration, and several national and international organizations adopted an anti-trafficking programme to reinforce national capacity to investigate and respond to cases and provide victims with legal protection, as recommended by CRC in 2001. 9. The UNOCI human rights component also provides technical assistance and substantive support to the National Human Rights Commission and carries out many training and awareness activities, notably for law enforcement officers, Government officials, teachers, students and civil society. It further works with the Ministry of National Education on mainstreaming human rights into school curricula and by establishing and providing training and technical assistance to human rights clubs in schools and colleges. The Secretary-General also indicated that UNOCI intensified its advocacy with the parties to the conflict to move forward the adoption of a national action plan for children in armed conflict. In April 2009, the Secretary-General reported that UNOCI human rights officers continue to provide assistance to victims of violence, in collaboration with external partners. 11. While noting that discrimination is prohibited under the Constitution, CRC expressed concern in 2001 at the occurrence of discrimination against non-citizen children, children with disabilities, children born out of wedlock, children from ethnic minorities, Muslim children and girls. Moreover, the Committee was concerned at the discrepancies in the enjoyment of rights by certain vulnerable groups of children. CRC recommended, inter alia, that Côte d’Ivoire make concerted efforts at all levels to address discrimination through a review and reorientation of policies, including increased budgetary allocations for programmes targeting the most vulnerable groups; and launch comprehensive public information campaigns to prevent and combat all forms of discrimination, where needed within the framework of international cooperation. 13. In October 2007, the Secretary-General referred to the Forces nouvelles’ commitment to implementing an action plan to end the use of child soldiers and in July 2008, announced his decision to remove Forces nouvelles and pro-Government militia from the list of parties to armed conflict that recruited or used child soldiers. In March 2009, he reported that there was no substantiated evidence of the use of child soldiers by armed forces or groups between September 2007 and December 2008. 14. In 2009, UNICEF indicated that 21 per cent of 2- to 14-year-old children experience severe physical punishments, while 39 per cent of the mothers or adults in charge consider that children must face corporal punishment to be educated. Domestic violence against children echoes socially accepted gender-based domestic violence. 15. Concerning sexual violence in general, in January 2009, the Security Council called upon all Ivoirian parties to take appropriate measures to refrain from, prevent and protect civilians from all forms of sexual violence. In April 2009, the Secretary-General stated that violence against women and girls remained a serious cause of concern, particularly in the western part of the country and in the Vavoua region, noting that most perpetrators of violence against women enjoy impunity countrywide due to corruption and the failure of the judicial system to address the issue adequately, as well as to widely accepted traditional and cultural norms. He noted that this prevailing climate of impunity exists in particular for crimes against children. The Secretary-General further stated that UNOCI welcomed an action plan submitted on 19 January 2009 by Forces nouvelles, in which they committed themselves to combating sexual violence in areas under their control. Meanwhile, militia groups in the west of the country expressed their willingness to join efforts to combat sexual violence. In July 2009, the Secretary-General reported that a disturbing trend of abduction, rape and violence against girls and women persists, especially in the west and north of the country, where young children are reportedly raped by unidentified men. He also reported that consultations are ongoing with the Government and other stakeholders to finalize a national action plan to combat sexual violence. 16. In 2001, CRC expressed concern at the incidence of abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect of children, and that insufficient efforts have been made to protect children. CRC was also particularly concerned at the high level of domestic violence and at sexual abuse of girls in schools, which has led to a high rate of primary and secondary school dropout. In addition, it was concerned at the lack of appropriate financial and human resources and the lack of adequately trained personnel to prevent and combat physical and sexual abuse. CRC recommended that the Government adopt effective measures and policies and contribute to changing attitudes; properly investigate cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse at schools and sanction the perpetrators, with due regard for the rights of child witnesses and child victims; and take measures to prevent the criminalization and stigmatization of victims. 17. In July 2009, the Secretary-General reported that sexual violence against children remains prevalent throughout the country, in particular in areas where law enforcement is weak; most of those abuses occur in connection with serious criminal incidents. 18. In 2001, while welcoming the adoption in 1998 of a new law on female genital mutilation (FGM), CRC was concerned at the widespread nature of this practice, and requested that efforts continue to end it, inter alia through enforcement of legislation and implementation of programmes sensitizing the population about its harmful effects. In 2009, UNICEF noted that FGM remains prevalent in Côte d’Ivoire. In July 2009, the Secretary-General reported on round tables organized by UNOCI on FGM following a series of awareness-raising sessions in schools; the round table explored legal, social and health-related implications of FGM with Government representatives and local stakeholders. 19. In 2001, CRC expressed concern at the extremely poor conditions of detention for children, amounting in many instances to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment as spelled out in article 37 (a) of the Convention. CRC urged Côte d’Ivoire to take all necessary measures to improve the conditions of detention of children in prisons and to ensure that each case of violence and abuse is duly investigated. 20. In 2007, the ILO Committee of Experts in its comments under the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182), referred to allegations of trafficking of children for economic exploitation and to a widespread practice under which migrant workers, including children, are forced to work in plantations (particularly cocoa plantations) against their will. In 2009, UNICEF indicated that due to its relatively strong economic base in western Africa, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the main destinations for child trafficking in the subregion. In April 2009, the United Nations system noted that, in the area of child protection, the Government had begun work on a preliminary draft law (2006) banning child trafficking and the worst forms of child labour. A decree listing types of work that were hazardous for children had been issued in 2005. 21. In 2001, while recognizing efforts, CRC remained concerned at the limited progress achieved in establishing a functioning system of juvenile justice and recommended that additional steps be taken to reform it. In 2009, UNICEF noted that out of 22 prisons in the country, only 8 have a special section for male minors, and reported that female minors are systemically held with adult inmates. There is no budget for food and health care for minors in detention and there is no special department for juvenile justice, except in Abidjan. 24. Also in October 2008, the Secretary-General reported that the failure of law enforcement officials to arrest or identify the perpetrators of human rights violations have exacerbated the fragile relationships within ethnically mixed communities, leading to inter- community clashes characterized by attacks and retaliatory counter-attacks. In April 2009, the Secretary-General made similar comments regarding the north of the country, where the situation remains marked by the persistence of impunity, given the absence of a functioning justice system, including the insufficient presence of police and gendarmerie forces, poorly equipped or secured court premises and the need to rehabilitate court buildings. In July 2009, he stated that the lack of progress in redeploying judicial police and corrections officers continues to adversely affect efforts to restore the rule of law throughout the country. He underlined that UNOCI efforts to prevent and address impunity and violence against girls and women continues with limited progress, including because of the delays in this effective redeployment. 26. In 2001, CRC expressed concern at the difference between the minimum legal age for marriage of boys (20 years) and that of girls (18 years), and recommended that Côte d’Ivoire review its legislation in this regard. 33. In 2009, UNICEF noted that the rising cost of living continues to affect living conditions. UNICEF also indicated that maternal health remains a major concern and that the high maternal mortality rate is mostly due to insufficient health services and lack of access during pregnancy. 35. In 2009, the ILO Committee of Experts noted that, according to the information contained in the Epidemiological Fact Sheet of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 310,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Côte d’Ivoire. The Committee observed that HIV/AIDS has an impact on orphans, who are at greater risk of engaging in the worst forms of child labour. 38. In 2009, UNICEF noted that according to recent statistics, 45 per cent of school-age children do not attend school; the disparity between rural and urban areas is, respectively, 52 and 33 per cent, and between poor and non-poor groups, and 19 per cent. If this trend continues, UNICEF stresses that Côte d’Ivoire’s objective of universal primary education for all by 2015 will not be achieved. In 2009, the ILO Committee of Experts mentioned that the country will probably not achieve parity between the sexes in primary and secondary education by 2015. 39. In July 2009, the Secretary-General noted that repeated strikes by teachers’ unions threaten the full enjoyment by students of their right to education. Such strikes, such as the ones which occurred in December 2006/January 2007, were already reported by the Secretary-General in March 2007 as causing a setback in the education sector. 44. In 2007, the Secretary-General made several recommendations to Côte d’Ivoire, including to undertake and demonstrate concrete measures to address the prevailing culture of impunity for violations against children, with rigorous and timely investigation of incidents and the prosecution of perpetrators; to prepare a national action plan to address the prevalence of sexual violence, especially violence against girls; to develop and establish, with the support of the United Nations, appropriate institutional arrangements to ensure that children are prioritized in the peace reconstruction and development processes. 46. In 2001, CRC recommended that Côte d’Ivoire seek technical assistance, inter alia from OHCHR and UNICEF, with regard to juvenile justice and police training; from UNICEF in relation to violence, abuse, neglect and ill-treatment of children; and from UNAIDS with regard to HIV/AIDS and children. Stakeholder's Information The armed conflict led to many cases of sexual violence by armed men on both sides of the military divide. Sexual violence was often accompanied by physican violence, particularly in western Cote d'Ivoire (HRW). Sexual violence against children has also been amplified due to the permeability of the borders (APDH). Pedophily is not outlawed and there are no statistics about the issue. Despite of the establishmant of a Brigade mandated to fight violance against children, child prostitution has attained high levels. Genital mutliation is continued to be practiced despite of a law from 1998 prohibiting it (CEPU-CI). SRI recommended further sensibilisation campaigns. Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment for Children (GIEACPC) reported that corporal punishment was lawful and widely practiced as a disciplinary measure (although not as punishment for a crime). GIEACPC recommmended to prohibit corporal punishment Prisons and judicial institutions: Children and adults are not seperated inside prisons, exposing them to violence (CEPU-CI and FIDH/MIDH/LIDHO). The recommendation of the CRC to raise the age of majority to 18 has not had any follow-up (DEI-CI). However, some measures towards child protection have been enacted and the deprivation of liberty for children can be considered as only an exceptional measure. APDH reports that the rate of birth registration is only 54.9 % and even smaller in areas controlled by the Force nouvelles and rural areas. CEPU-CI recommends an awareness-raising policy towards parents. Child exploitation: Despite the fact that there is a national action plan and institutions to fight against exploitation and trafficking of children (DEI-CI), a great number of children is engaged in labour, often in slavery-like conditions (APDH). The fight against child exploitation has been too much concentrated on the cocoa industry, leaving beside urban esploitation. FI was concerned about a number of girl domestic workers that are subject to inhuman and degrading treatment, without possibility to attend school.APDH has recommended that Cote d'Ivoire join the multilateral convention on cooperation between states of the sub-region ni the domain of fight against child trafficking and to penalise it. DEI-CI is concerned about the situation of street children since the beginning of the civil war and the difficulties of integrating them into the social network. (1 point) Right to education: Défense des Enfants International-Côte d’Ivoire (DEI-CI) is concerned about education for incarcerated children APDH reports that enrolment is relatively low in rural zones and zones controlled by the Forces nouvelles, due to a lack of birth registration and the destruction of schools in conflict areas and population displacement. Enrolment rate has passed from 75 % before the crisis to 46 % in 2008 (CEPU-CI). Child labour and early marriage are also causes of numerous drop-outs before the age of 15. There are no measures to make school mandatory (EIP-CI). There are difficulties for disabled children to access school (DEI-CI). Failure rates in school are higher for girls than for boys (FI). Access to schooling is also endangered because of frequent strikes of teachers. EIP-CI suggests a better management of conflicts in schools to prevent this. (2 points) Rights of disabled people: There is a law to permit disabled people equal access to education, training and leisure, but the application of it has been delayed. Mentally disabled children are often abandoned by their families and the state (CEPU-CI) 24. Cuba noted that Côte d’Ivoire was a developing country facing difficulties, especially with the global economic crisis. It highlighted the National Health Development Plan and programmes and projects covering various priority diseases. It noted attention given to maternal mortality, immunization coverage and fight against malaria and HIV/AIDS. It noted the importance given to children’s social development, including the fight against trafficking and child exploitation. It made recommendations. 25. Canada congratulated Côte d’Ivoire for progresses made since the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. It encouraged the fulfilment of commitments made to end the crisis, starting with free and transparent elections. It noted the crisis had eroded rule of law and state services and structures, corruption had infested the administration, and criminalization of security forces had generated racketeering and violence. It noted that interethnic violence originated from land disputes and that contradiction between the Ivorian nationality code and sub-regional citizenship laws resulted in statelessness cases. It congratulated accomplishments made in women’s rights and in the fight against trafficking of children. Canada made recommendations. 28. The Netherlands noted efforts made to improve prisons’ conditions, highlighted problems such as overcrowding, malnutrition, shortage of medical care, lack of sanitary facilities and lack of separation between juveniles and adults in prisons. It expressed concern about reports of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees. It indicated that the National Human Rights Commission failed to comply with the Paris Principles and that a high number of the population remained de facto or de jure stateless. The Netherlands made recommendations. 29. Belarus welcomed legal reforms relating to justice, family law and racial discrimination and the 2008 Presidential Decree relating to recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance further to his visit, in 2004. It also appreciated the adoption of the 2008 national plan of action to implement the Security Council resolution on upholding women’s rights in situations of conflict as well as the plan of action to combat trafficking of children and child labour. Belarus made recommendations. 30. France referred to concerns expressed by the United Nations Secretary General over violence and sexual abuse against women in the country. It noted the practice of female genital mutilations, due to a lack of appropriate policies. It asked about measures to prosecute offenders and provide assistance to the victims. It expressed concern about trafficking and child labour and welcomed the commitment to eradicate it with the assistance of ILO and UNICEF. It enquired about measures taken to implement the 2008 law against racism, xenophobia, tribalism, and racial and religious discriminations. France made recommendations. 32. Algeria welcomed the efforts made by Côte d’Ivoire to consolidate peace and stability through the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. It noted positively the open cooperation with the international community to strengthen the judicial system. It saluted the efforts made to improve the situation of children, notably mechanisms to fight smuggling and trafficking of children and to provide support to orphans, traumatized and poor children. Algeria made recommendations. 34. Austria welcomed the ratification of core human rights conventions and the planned ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Considering the consequences of the current armed conflict, Austria recalled that returning to normality depends on ending impunity and asked for information on the re-establishment of civil administration in the North as foreseen by the Ouagadougou Agreement. While welcoming the adoption of laws relating to women rights, particularly the prohibition of female genital mutilation, Austria remained concerned about sexual violence against women and children. Austria made recommendations. 35. The Czech Republic welcomed the efforts undertaken by the Government against child trafficking and made recommendations. 37. Italy noted a growing culture of impunity despite improvements in the general human rights situation. It stressed the need for a greater transparency and efficiency in the judicial system. Italy noted that child labour remains a challenge, particularly in large agricultural plantations, which have an increasing tendency to employ minors. Italy asked about the measures taken in this regard and made recommendations. 40. Turkey noted the significant progress in areas such as the redeployment of the administration, disarmament, the reunification of the army, and the implementation process of enrolment and identification of voters. It also applauded the Ivoirian constitution which indicates progress in protecting human rights. Turkey expressed hope that those who committed violence against women and children since the beginning of the armed conflict will be prosecuted. 41. The Holy See noted that the human rights situation has improved since 2004 but remained concerned about the culture of impunity, which constitutes a challenge for human rights promotion and protection. The Holy See asked about the National Plan to combat sexual violence. While referring to the education system, which is deeply disturbed by violence, aggression, extortion of money and other human rights abuses by the Fédération estudiantine et scolaire de Côte d`Ivoire, the Holy See inquired how the government planned to control the organisation and which sanctions were taken so far against it. It made recommendations. [replies of the government in French] 50. Azerbaijan welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. It expressed concern at sexual violence against children, which remained prevalent according to the Secretary- General, particularly where law enforcement is weak. It asked if the Government considered being a party to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and if legislation prohibited corporal punishment of children in all settings. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 54. Sweden welcomed that Côte d’Ivoire prohibits rape and female genital mutilation, but remained concerned about reported lack of enforcement. It noted the Secretary General mentioned a trend of abduction, rape and violence against women and girls and expressed concern about impunity. It noted that the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern about the 2007 Amnesty Ordinance and thanked the delegation for the assurance that amnesty would not be applied to perpetrators of serious human rights violations. It expressed concern about reports on security forces’ abuse, children’s rights, the right to information, freedom of the media, and participation in public and political life. Sweden made recommendations. 58. Saudi Arabia noted efforts made to protect and strengthen human rights. Saudi Arabia drew attention to the strengthening of children’s rights and emphasized that the Government made every effort in the fields of human rights. It made one recommendation. 60. Slovakia expressed concern about the conditions in detention centres and prisons, especially the lack of necessary infrastructure which resulted in overcrowding and poor hygiene. It noted that Côte d’Ivoire signed the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court in 1998. Slovakia expressed concern about the lack of necessary infrastructure and qualified personal resources, population poverty and the alarming rate of school violence and sexual abuse, which resulted in an inadequate enjoyment of the right to education. Slovakia made recommendations. 61. China referred to measures taken to protect the rights of women and children, disabled persons and other vulnerable groups. It also noted the good cooperation with international and regional human rights organization. China asked what concrete difficulties the country faces and which measures it plans to take with regard to children who are unable to receive appropriate education. 62. Slovenia commended Côte d'Ivoire for the abolition of death penalty and the prohibition of female genital mutilation. While noting the willingness of the state to combat sexual violence, Slovenia was concerned about violence against women and children. Slovenia inquired which measures Côte d'Ivoire was considering to tackle the problem and effectively implement the 1998 law on female genital mutilation. Slovenia made recommendations. 66. Nigeria appreciated the establishment of bodies to regulate and monitor the implementation of the rights guaranteed under various instruments, including women’s and children’s rights, universal education and primary healthcare. It commended the efforts of Côte d’Ivoire in handling the incident in August 2006 of dumping of toxic waste. It asked about the level of success of the reforms in addressing major areas of concern. Nigeria made recommendations. 68. Luxembourg appreciated progress related to child soldiers, the abolition of death penalty and female genital mutilation. It noted the weak political participation of women, the persistence of female genital mutilation, polygamy and sexual violence. Luxembourg saluted the programme of economic reforms. It underlined the importance of having electoral lists based on consensus and demographic reality. It asked about measures taken for groups vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and the lead time for the adoption of legislation on reproductive health. Luxembourg made recommendations. 72. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted that, despite instability, Côte d’Ivoire constantly worked to protect and promote human rights demonstrated by the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate the rule of law. It applauded efforts made in fighting trafficking and exploitation of children, female genital mutilation, and impunity. It enquired about the low number of parliamentarian women and about measures envisaged to expressly implement the abolition of death penalty. It made recommendations. 74. Norway appreciated that Côte d’Ivoire was party to most core human rights instruments and its cooperation with Special Procedures. Norway emphasized that civil society participation was essential and asked about it in the reporting process and in the follow-up to the periodic review. It was concerned about the reported violence against women and girls, including sexual violence; limited access to legal services; and that prosecution efforts were hampered in the judiciary. It was concerned about the vulnerable situation of human rights defenders and journalists. Norway made recommendations. 75. The United States of America welcomed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to ensuring that those at risk for HIV were not stigmatized or discriminated and asked about programmes to combat discrimination for HIV status. It noted that since the armed conflict, girls and women have been victims of brutal forms of sexual violence by armed men on both sides of the military and political divide, often accompanied by beating, torture, killing or mutilation. It made recommendations. 76. South Africa acknowledged the Government efforts in meeting its human rights obligations. It expressed concern about to the protection and care of children, domestic violence against children, worst forms of child labour and the situation of vulnerable children. South Africa asked which measures the Government implemented to protect children and what kind of support it provided to destitute women, who are also victims of domestic violence. It made recommendations. 77. Djibouti saluted the efforts made by Côte d’Ivoire to improve prisons’ conditions through their overhauling despite a lack of resources. Djibouti applauded the measures taken against members of the armed and police forces having used prohibited practices. It welcomed the adoption of the law for disabled people and specific projects to accelerate the rehabilitation of disadvantaged children. It encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to combat all forms of discrimination. Djibouti made recommendations. 80. Argentina took note of allegations reported by the Secretary-General regarding human rights violations by the “Forces Nouvelles” and expressed support for the UNOCI human rights component. Argentina recognized the prohibition of female genital mutilation but noted reports that it continued in practice. Argentina made recommendations. [replies of the government in French] Accepted and Rejected Recommendations The following recommendations were accepted by Cote D'Ivoire: 15. Attach greater priority to protection and aid programmes for victims of the crisis and vulnerable social groups, especially orphans, abandoned children and displaced persons (Viet Nam); 18. Participate in the UNOCI mandate for training and activities of promotion, awareness-raising and technical assistance to face key human rights challenges, including impunity and grave violations of the rights of women and children (Argentina); 20. Step up efforts to protect the human rights and improve the lives of children, including orphans and children with disabilities, through, inter alia, reviewing related policies and increasing in the budget allocation for specific programmes for vulnerable groups (Malaysia) ; 21. Provide human rights training specifically focused on protection of the human rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups to civil servants, military forces and police, prison and judicial staff and ensure their full accountability for any violations of human rights in all situations (Czech Republic); 30. Continue to reform its policies and programmes with a view to improving the status of women, girls and children, including those with disabilities, and protecting them against violence and sexual abuse, as well as strengthening measures and mechanisms on administration of justice (Nigeria); 34.Strengthen measures conducive to responding to the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in 2007, directed to the prevention and elimination of all types of violence, especially sexual violence, against women and girls (Mexico); 35. In view of the Secretary-General's reports, elaborate a national action plan that addresses the prevalence of sexual violence, especially towards girls (Argentina); 36. Continue ongoing efforts and adopt effective measures and policies to stop and prevent sexual violence against women and girls (Sweden); 40. Investigate cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse at schools and sanction the perpetrators (Holy See); 44. Further strengthen law enforcement and the judicial system in the effort to address impunity and reduce the incidence of domestic violence as well as physical and sexual abuse of women and girls (Malaysia); 46. Strengthen measures to combat violence against women, particularly that related to female genital mutilation (Angola); 47. Continue its efforts to end female genital mutilation, inter alia through enforcement of legislation and implementation of programmes sensitizing the population about its harmful effects (Egypt); 48. Elaborate and implement a law and programmes to draw attention to the harmful effects of excision (Luxembourg); 49. Take all measures to ensure the effective prohibition of female genital mutilation, including, among others, the implementation of awareness-raising programmes for the population about its terrible effects (Argentina); 50. Intensify ongoing sensitization activities, carried out together with members of civil society, towards the reduction, or even the eradication in the future, of female genital mutilation (Senegal); 51. Within the context of incorporating the values of the culture of peace in public and private education, include actions to eliminate violence in schools and to address the special needs of children affected by conflict (Ghana); 53. Speed up the plans to improve the situation in prisons, including the prompt construction of a new special prison in Abidjan for women and juveniles to provide for their separation from serious criminals (Slovakia); 55. Pay special attention to protection of children of persons in detention or prison (Czech Republic); 56. Provide separate prison and detention facilities for minors, male and female inmates and improve access of inmates to adequate food and medical care (Czech Republic); 58. Continue and deepen the positive ongoing actions to protect children, including from trafficking and exploitation of minors (Cuba); 59. Continue efforts to eliminate trafficking in children and address the problem of street children and child labour (Belarus); 60. Strengthen policies aimed at protecting children from trafficking and forced labour (Angola); 61. With the support of the international community, pursue its efforts to reduce crime and combat smuggling and trafficking of children and strengthen this with awareness-raising actions and training on the rights of the child (Algeria); 68. Establish a system of juvenile justice to guarantee protection of the rights of the child in this situation (Czech Republic); 69. Pursue actions aimed at strengthening and harmonizing the child protection legal framework, including the establishment of child protection units within the various tribunals of the country (Italy); 86. Continue to provide assistance and care for children and ensure that they have access to education and health (Saudi Arabia); 91. Promote education for all without discrimination (Bangladesh); 92. Take all measures that it thinks are appropriate to expand primary education for all children, in rural as well as in urban areas, and make sure that it benefits equally girls and boys. (Algeria); 93. Strengthen the free and compulsory primary education system and to reduce the gender and rural-urban disparities (Holy See); 94. Strengthen its measures to ensure that poverty does not preclude children from attending school and that schools are free from discrimination for girls and boys alike (Czech Republic); 105. Recommend that the international community help Côte d'Ivoire in its firm will to fight crime, sexual violence and trafficking of children through the establishment of adequate mechanisms in line with international standards (Niger); The following recommendations were left pending or where the state had no clear position: P - 13. Ratify the two optional protocols to CRC, ICRMW and the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons (Congo); P - 14. Ratify the Optional Protocol to CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Mauritius); P - 15. Expedite the ratification of the two Optional Protocols to CRC (Uganda); P - 16. Ratify the following international human rights instruments: the second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; OP-CAT; the two Optional Protocols to CRC; CRPD and its Optional Protocol and the Rome Statute (Chile); P - 19. Take effective measures on sexual violence against children and consider the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Azerbaijan); P - 21. Take the necessary measures to allow stateless children born in its territory to acquire Ivorian nationality and remove discriminatory grounds of eligibility for naturalization, including the requirement that persons must be free of mental or physical handicaps (Canada); 6 NC - 22. Adopt specific legislation to protect women and children with a view to fully implement the provisions of CEDAW and CRC (Brazil); 7 NC - 30. Reinforce policies to tackle domestic and sexual violence against women and girls in accordance with international human rights standards (Chile); 8 NC - 35. Take concrete measures to make primary education effectively compulsory and free (Ireland); NC - 36. Take all necessary measures towards the achievement of the objective of universal primary education for all by 2015 (Slovenia); 10 NC - 37. In the framework of efforts by the Government to raise school enrolment, strengthen the measures aimed at eliminating social, economic and cultural barriers that are obstacles to access and stay of children in the school system, including through setting up a multisectorial strategy to that end (Mexico); NC - 38. Adopt efficient educational policies, notably through enforcing full accountability for school violence, human rights training programmes for teachers, and continuous expansion of the school network and its resources to guarantee a truly obligatory and accessible primary education (Slovakia); The following recommendations were rejected by Cote D'Ivoire: R - 23. Grant investigative competences to the National Committee to combat violence against women and children created in 2000 (Belgium);
3rd December, 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Compilation of UN information
Summary of Stakeholder information
Final Report
Conclusion and Recommendations
Integrity of the person:
Recommendations are made to make primary school mandatory and free of charge (DEI-CI and CEPU-CI). Girls enrolment should be reinforced and the funds available through the debt relief initiative used to rebuild school infrastructure (EIP-CI) (1 point)
Final Report