A/HRC/17/48 the crisis. It is believed, however, on the basis of information gathered during the Commission's field visits and by cross-checking, that some 3,000 persons may have been killed. The political crisis in Côte d'Ivoire grew out of former President Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to accept the results of the election. In addition, the exploitation of the ethnic question, the manipulation by political figures of young Ivorians, turning them into instruments of violence, together with unresolved rural land issues, are among the underlying causes of the massive, serious violations of human rights. The elections served as a catalyst for the violence. The Commission noted that most of the persons it met wished to see Ivorian communities continuing to live together. It also notes that the Government has indicated at the highest level that national reconciliation is a priority. The Commission wishes nevertheless to emphasize that there can be no lasting reconciliation without justice. In this context, the Commission recommends, in particular, that the Government of Côte d'Ivoire ensure that those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are brought to justice. In this context, the investigations that have been initiated must be conducted in an exhaustive, impartial and transparent fashion. In order to ensure effective follow-up to its recommendations and assist the Ivorian authorities in combating impunity, the Commission recommends that the Human Rights Council establish an independent mechanism on the human rights situation in Côte d'Ivoire and publish the report of the International Commission of Inquiry set up by the Commission on Human Rights in 2004 in order to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the human rights situation. It recommends that the international community support the governmental authorities, particularly at the financial level, in their efforts to combat impunity and promote the rule of law. Lastly, it recommends that the United Nations should undertake, at the earliest opportunity, an evaluation of the work carried out during the crisis, in particular by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (ONUCI) and humanitarian agencies, in order to enhance its ability to prevent conflicts and protect the civilian population. 2 GE.11-14375 (EXT)