A/HRC/16/79 The State-owned television corporation, Radiodiffusion Télévision ivoirienne, has been disseminating xenophobic messages inciting hatred and violence, and promoting religious and ethnic division between the north and the south. The volatile political situation and worsening human rights situation led to the internal and cross-border displacement of thousands of Ivorians internally and in neighbouring countries, and has had a negative impact on the economic, social and cultural rights of the population. The Gbagbo camp repeatedly obstructed the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and impeded its freedom of movement, including attempts made by the Human Rights Division to investigate allegations about mass graves in Anyama (Abidjan), Lakota (near Divo) and Issia (near Daloa) and other serious human rights violations. These obstructions prevented UNOCI from fully discharging its protection of civilians mandate, as prescribed by the Security Council in its resolutions 1894 (2009) and 1933 (2010). The deteriorating human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire was strongly condemned by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner. The High Commissioner wrote individually to Mr. Gbagbo and three high-ranking military commanders to remind them of their obligation to protect civilians and of their personal accountability for human rights abuses and infringements of international humanitarian law committed by members of the security forces placed under their command and control. Several United Nations experts and special procedures mandate holders also voiced their concern over gross human rights violations committed in the country. With the political stalemate now going into its third month, the human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire is becoming more precarious. Almost 300 people have been confirmed killed since the beginning of the crisis, and there are continuing reports of abductions, illegal detention and attacks against civilians. More than 35,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere, including in neighbouring countries. There are reports of thousands of youths being forcibly recruited and armed, presumably in preparation for violent conflict. The propagation of hatred and violence through the media remains a serious concern. Disruptions to the means of livelihood, including through the impact of the operation “ghost country”, which calls for nation-wide civil disobedience and work stoppage, have severely limited access to education and basic economic and social rights. Meanwhile, the obstruction of UNOCI has limited its ability to verify the full extent and scale of the human rights violations across the country. 2