A/HRC/35/43 caused by the rise in electricity prices were defused when the Ministry of Energy intervened. 20. In 2016, the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Cohesion and Compensation of Victims also facilitated the relocation of populations living in the protected nature reserve of Mount Péko. According to the authorities, the relocation took place peacefully. The Government is currently looking for ways of resettling internally displaced persons (90 per cent of such persons are reported to be of foreign origin and 30 per cent of these would like to return to their country of origin) by identifying cultivable plots of land available for those wishing to stay in Côte d’Ivoire. 21. With regard to the compensation of victims of the crises in Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Cohesion and Compensation of Victims received from the Head of State, on 19 April 2016, the final report of the National Commission for Reconciliation and Compensation of Victims, with instructions to publish and implement its recommendations. In its report, the Committee set out a national reparation plan, identifying 316,954 victims. The Ministry launched the pilot stage of the compensation process for 4,500 victims, who comprise 3,500 persons entitled to receive compensation and 1,000 persons with injuries who are to be given medical and psychological care. This stage of the process is not yet complete. 22. The Independent Expert welcomes the efforts made by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Cohesion and Compensation of Victims and encourages the Ministry of Women, Child Protection and Solidarity, which took over the responsibilities of the former following the cabinet reshuffle in January 2017, to continue the efforts undertaken and consolidate social peace. However, he notes that, to date, no legal text gives a clear definition of a victim of the crises that took place in Côte d’Ivoire, despite the fact that such a definition is discussed in the final report of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission. 23. Victims’ associations report that victims are feeling increasingly impatient and frustrated. Despite the efforts made by the National Commission for Reconciliation and Compensation of Victims, some victims do not seem to have been identified. The Independent Expert wishes to reiterate the importance of establishing an appropriate way of enabling all victims not yet identified to register. Furthermore, persons who wish to ascertain whether or not they are on the official list of victims should be able to do so through a consultation process that respects victims’ anonymity. In addition, some victims have complained of the interference of intermediaries who claim that, in return for a commission, they will use their influence with the Government to help victims obtain compensation from the funds set aside for reparation. The Independent Expert believes that these complaints should be heard and that investigations should be carried out. C. National Human Rights Commission of Côte d’Ivoire 24. The Independent Expert once again wishes to stress the importance of the role of the National Human Rights Commission of Côte d’Ivoire in protecting and promoting human rights in Côte d’Ivoire. The departure of UNOCI and the end of the Independent Expert’s mission in June 2017 further reinforce the need for it to carry out this role. As for its activities, the Commission has drawn up a strategic document on its functioning, its mandate and the communication side of its work. In 2016, the document was submitted to its financial partners and will be submitted to the United Nations country team. 25. The Independent Expert has noted that the Commission’s activities are becoming more dynamic and visible. He welcomes and encourages this positive trend and commends the fact that 31 regional commissions are now up and running. 26. In 2016, the Commission registered 310 appeals, as against only 75 the previous year. Its visibility has progressively increased, largely owing to the support provided by UNOCI, which has helped to train regional commissioners in monitoring respect for human rights and information gathering. GE.17-08076 7

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