I N T R O D U C T I O N
1. As part of the process of enhancing the constructive dialogue embarked upon with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the Government of Côte d’Ivoire hereby presents its periodic report from 2012 to 2015. It must be recalled that the Government of Côte d’Ivoire started this dialogue at the 52 ndOrdinary Session of the ACHPR held from 9 to 22 October 2012 by presenting its initial and combined reports. After the report was reviewed on 12 October 2012, twenty-nine (29) recommendations were made to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.
2. The presentation of its first periodic report is taking place against the background of reconstruction and reconciliation, the two major concerns confronting the Government of Côte d’Ivoire following the postelectoral crisis. The Government is receiving the support of the international community to arrive at lasting solutions that are consistent with the respect for human rights and with commitments made under national legislation and ratified international legal instruments.
3. Today, it must be underscored that, during the period under review, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire has been engaged in a process of national reconstruction and reconciliation, with the aim of becoming an emerging, democratic and united country in its diversity by 2020. To achieve this ambition, the country has developed a Strategic Document dubbed the National Development Programme (PND). The PND, as a new strategic framework for government action, brings together all national development policies. It is structured around six priority pillars: defence, security, justice and the rule of law (1); education, health, employment, social affairs (2); economy, agriculture, private sector (3); Infrastructure, water, energy, mines (4); environment, living conditions, housing, public services (5) ; culture, youth and sports (6).
4. Since the review of its report, Côte d’Ivoire has made efforts to improve the human rights situation. To this end, the Government has not only harmonised some of its national laws to ensure that they are consistent with international instruments, but also enacted and implemented its international obligations by formulating national and sectoral policies.
5. In spite of these efforts, Côte d’Ivoire is still confronted with difficulties in meeting certain human rights commitments. The 2002 militaro-political crisis and the 2010 post-election crisis have had a serious adverse effect on the maintenance and consolidation of the gains concerning respect for and the enjoyment of human rights.
6. With regard to the methodological requirements, and with a view to complying with the ACHPR recommendations, this report was prepared and validated through a participatory mechanism. In pursuance of this goal, a Monitoring and Drafting Committee was established at the Department for the Promotion of Human Rights and Public Freedoms of the Ministry of Justice. This Committee worked in collaboration with the “human rights” focal points established in the ministries and public institutions. Consultations were also organised with civil society and the National Human Rights Commission of Côte d’Ivoire (CNDHCI). These meetings made it possible to gather information and other relevant data to enrich the content of this report.
7.This report comprises five (5) parts designed respectively to highlight the status of implementation of the ACHPR recommendations made after the State presented its initial and combined reports (Part I); the achievements in the normative and institutional framework for promoting and protecting human rights (Part II); measures for promoting and protecting civil and political rights (Part III); measures taken to promote economic, social and cultural rights (Part IV). The duties of citizens have also been incorporated (Part V). A conclusion provides an opportunity to highlight the difficulties encountered in the implementation of the provisions of the Charter.
