In a significant collaboration with the International Service for Human Rights, the Côte d’Ivoire Coalition of Human Rights Defenders presented an urgent statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding the plight of human rights defenders in the nation. They implored the government to incorporate these defenders into the national protection mechanism, a crucial step for their safety and effectiveness.
Côte d’Ivoire made history in 2014 by being the first African nation to establish a protective law for human rights defenders. However, the actualisation of this law, particularly the operationalisation of its associated protection mechanism, remains incomplete, with the absence of those defenders within the framework posing a critical challenge. Both ISHR and CIDDH acknowledged the Ivorian government’s pledge to resolve this but expressed readiness to assist in turning this commitment into reality.
Additionally, the oral statement shed light on ordinance n° 2024-368, which seeks to regulate civil society organisation operations. This ordinance, currently progressing through the National Assembly, threatens to undermine the freedoms crucial for civil society, including potential actions against organisations and their leaders.
As a call to action, the CIDDH and ISHR urged Côte d’Ivoire to:
1. Include human rights defenders in the national protection mechanism.
2. Create a legal environment safeguarding the rights of association and assembly, aligned with existing international human rights obligations and the protection act.
3. Form a permanent, inclusive national body comprising diverse civil society stakeholders to oversee the implementation of UPR and treaty body recommendations.
Antoine Tremblay, a human rights advocate with extensive qualifications and experience, supports initiatives at ISHR, ensuring the voices of oppressed communities are heard on platforms like these.
The Côte d’Ivoire Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, with ISHR, presented to the UN Human Rights Council, urging inclusion of human rights defenders in national protection mechanisms. Despite Côte d’Ivoire’s previous advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding ordinance n° 2024-368, which threatens civil society freedoms. Calls were made for a comprehensive inclusion strategy and a permanent body to enhance civil society’s role in safeguarding human rights.
The ongoing dialogue at the United Nations Human Rights Council underscores the critical need for Côte d’Ivoire to integrate human rights defenders into its national protection mechanisms. As past progress now teeters on the edge of regression due to policies like ordinance n° 2024-368, it’s evident that a strong legal foundation supporting human rights and civil liberties is essential. Ultimately, fostering collaboration and inclusivity within civil society will facilitate the effective implementation of human rights commitments in Côte d’Ivoire.
Original Source: ishr.ch
