In a landmark moment, Côte d’Ivoire faced scrutiny from the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) on July 16 and 17, 2024, nearly thirty years after ratifying the convention. Representing civil society was Pedan Marthe Coulibaly, National Coordinator of the Ivorian Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (CIDDH), a partner of the OMCT SOS-Torture network. She expressed how her engagement aims to bolster human rights, especially women’s rights, within her homeland.
Motivated by witnessing human rights violations, particularly those affecting women, Coulibaly’s journey began with a commitment to defending these rights. As the National Coordinator of CIDDH, she emphasized that discussions of torture encompass physical and psychological assaults on human rights defenders. This drives their collaboration with OMCT to fight for these defenders’ rights.
Despite immense challenges, including financial limitations and the inconsistent response of authorities to advocacy efforts, Coulibaly stresses the importance of persistence. The support from partners like OMCT and other international entities has been vital. Additionally, she faces cultural barriers, where women leaders are often unjustly judged and labeled.
Within society, human rights defenders are particularly vulnerable in sectors advocating for LGBTI rights, governance reforms, and combatting harmful practices like excision. Inadequate awareness exacerbates these risks, exemplified by a case where a defender faced threats post-report publication on sexual harassment, highlighting the need for precautionary measures.
As Côte d’Ivoire prepares for the 2025 presidential elections, worries grow about potential threats to human rights defenders. The ordinance limiting civil liberties issued in June raises alarms about possible suppressions of civil society, especially if tensions arise during elections.
In June, Coulibaly spearheaded the launch of a movement dedicated to protecting women human rights defenders in West Africa, a region grappling with insecurity. This initiative aims to amplify voices of women defenders on regional and international platforms, fostering solidarity in a precarious context.
The role of civil society in Côte d’Ivoire is crucial yet challenging. Organizations tirelessly advocate for improved human rights through various means, even influencing legislation, such as the law adopted in 2014 for protecting human rights defenders. Their courageous efforts showcase the positive impact civil society can have.
Looking ahead, Coulibaly envisions a strengthened collaboration among government, rights institutions, and civil society. She is optimistic about the newly launched human rights defenders’ protection mechanism and dreams of a future where international laws are faithfully implemented, fostering respect for human rights for all in Côte d’Ivoire.
Côte d’Ivoire’s significant engagement with the UN Committee Against Torture on July 16-17, 2024, featured Pedan Marthe Coulibaly advocating for women’s rights. She discussed her challenges in human rights defense, cultural barriers, and risks LGBTI activists face. With elections approaching, Coulibaly launched a movement for women defenders and underscored civil society’s role in effecting legislative changes. She remains hopeful for enhanced collaboration in the future.
Pedan Marthe Coulibaly’s insights reflect a relentless pursuit of human rights advocacy in Côte d’Ivoire, driven by passion despite political and cultural challenges. The new movement for women defenders highlights the urgency of protecting marginalized voices while the civil society’s role emerges as a beacon of hope. The path ahead is filled with potential for collaboration and legislative reform aimed at safeguarding human rights effectively.
Original Source: www.omct.org
