A/HRC/32/52 Abidjan-Plateau. Information in the possession of the Human Rights Division showed that 118 of the 387 persons arrested in connection with the post-election crisis of 2010 had been released prior to the visit of the Independent Expert. 54. As part of the action taken to address human rights violations attributable to members of FRCI, a joint human rights mechanism was established by UNOCI and FRCI, and six months later the National Human Rights Commission of Côte d’Ivoire was invited to become part of that mechanism to ensure that national stakeholders could take full ownership of the process. Since early November 2015, the mechanism has held seven monthly meetings, with those of March, April and May 2016 taking place in Korhogo, Daloa and Bouaké as a result of the decision to hold the meetings in various military regions in order to strengthen the regional dimension of the mechanism. Very close cooperation between the participants has facilitated the action taken to address human rights violations attributed to members of FRCI, which has led to the arrest, detention and conviction of some of the FRCI members accused of serious violations. VI. Situation of children in conflict with the law 55. After visiting the Juvenile Observation Centre at the Abidjan Detention and Correctional Centre during his previous mission, the Independent Expert had felt no hesitation in reporting, in fairly strong terms, on the living conditions of the children housed in the Centre. On revisiting the Centre during the period covered by this report, the Independent Expert was heartened to note that the situation is improving. This is attributable to the synergy of advocacy efforts on behalf of children in conflict with the law, and to an increased awareness of the vulnerability of these children and their inalienable right to education and decent living conditions. 56. The persons and organizations at the forefront of this advocacy effort include members of the Human Rights Division of UNOCI, Ivorian human rights NGOs and highly motivated members of the Government. The support of a number of accredited diplomatic missions has also contributed some positive momentum. The Independent Expert warmly commends them on their commitment and encourages them to persevere in their work on behalf of children in difficulties. 57. During his visit to the Juvenile Observation Centre, the Independent Expert held a meeting with Ivorian NGOs concerned about the situation of children in conflict with the law, particularly those who are imprisoned or who have been placed in the Centre. There is a large network of NGOs with which the Ivorian authorities can work to improve the situation of children in conflict with the law. That network should be supported by the authorities and by the technical and financial partners of Côte d’Ivoire. The Independent Expert also notes the appointment of a new director of the Juvenile Observation Centre who has brought a new spirit and a new positive dynamic to its work. 58. The general appearance of the Centre has also improved. Drains that previously gave off unpleasant odours have been unblocked. Halls and rooms have been repainted, and the children’s beds are now protected by mosquito nets. The children appeared to be better occupied with manual tasks and literacy activities. While these measures have been funded from a relatively modest budget, they have created a positive situation that should be maintained and improved upon further in the future. 59. Ideally, a new juvenile observation centre that meets the standards of a rehabilitation institution should be built outside of the Detention Centre. The Ministry of Justice hopes to carry out such a project in the near future with the support of international partners. There is also a pressing need for special institutions that can provide temporary accommodation for children, until such time as they can be sent back to their relatives, who are not really in 14 GE.16-10958

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