A/HRC/18/52 I. Introduction 1. Since the last report presented by the High Commissioner to the Human Rights Council at its seventeenth session, there has been increasing evidence of a return to normalcy in the country, including the appointment of a new government and a new chain of command in the security forces and an improvement in the security situation, as well as the resumption of commercial activities. However, the country remains fragile as the Government faces numerous challenges in addressing the legacy of gross human rights violations in a fair and impartial way. Other challenges include integration of various forces into the new army, the proliferation of arms, the deteriorating socio-economic situation, the provision of education and health services, the preparation of legislative elections before the end of the year and the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their respective communities. 2. Despite the improvement in the security situation in Abidjan and in the northern part of the country, the human rights situation remains serious. There are numerous reports of extra-judicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detention as well as other violations. Vestiges of some militia groups continue to pose constant threats to the fragile security situation in the western part of the country. In addition, the security vacuum prevailing in several parts of the country due to the breakdown in the security and judicial apparatus, and the slow return to work of some security officials, remains a major area of concern with significant implications for the human rights situation. II. Developments during the reporting period 3. Following his official inauguration, President Ouattara reshuffled his cabinet on 1 June by confirming and appointing ministers to his Government. Laurent Gbagbo’s Front populaire ivoirien (FPI) is not represented in the Government. On 7 July, President Ouattara also appointed top military commanders of the FRCI. During an official meeting with the military commanders in Abidjan on 22 July, President Ouattara admonished them to remain professional while emphasizing his intention to create an armed force that respects human rights and responds to the aspirations of the population. He specifically informed them of their command responsibility vis-à-vis their subordinates and acts thereof. 4. On 20 July, President Ouattara announced the creation of a national commission of inquiry to investigate human rights violations committed during the post-electoral period. The presidential decree establishing this Commission indicated that it is a non-judicial body. Efforts were also undertaken to strengthen the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (DTRC) particularly through the enactment of an Ordinance creating the Commission, its membership and functions and the appointment of the members of the DTRC, on 5 September 2011. On 24 June, the Minister of Justice announced the creation of a special unit to investigate human rights violations committed in connection with the postelection violence. 5. A United Nations electoral needs assessment mission dispatched to Côte d’Ivoire from 18 to 30 June concluded that legislative elections could be held by year’s end so long as the security situation improved and the international community stepped in to support the process. The normalization of political life and the creation of an enabling environment based on full respect for civil and political rights will be essential in ensuring that elections are held in a free, fair and participatory manner. 5