A/HRC/41/35/Add.2 contributed to, the crisis of 2010–2011. These included the killing and disappearance of journalists, their systematic targeting while covering protests, physical attacks and threats. Simultaneous attacks on media outlets were also recorded, with the majority of these violations carried out by pro-government forces amid open intimidation of the press by high-ranking officials and incitements to violence by pro-government media. Several such cases were raised by the mandate holder in the 15 communications sent to the authorities since the visit. 64. The creation of an enabling environment for freedom of opinion and expression is fundamental for the prevention of social conflict. However, in order to play a role in achieving that goal, freedom of opinion and expression must be graspable as an actionable right, protected and promoted through legislation and State policies. Positive steps in this direction have been seen since 2011, including Law No. 2013-867, providing for the right to information, and Law No. 2014-388, on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders. The Special Rapporteur urges the State to take proactive measures to support the broad effectiveness of these laws, including through the application of Law No. 2017-867 on the regulation of the press adopted in December 2017, in particular its provisions concerning “publishing false news”. The Special Rapporteur underlines that any limitations on freedom of expression must comply with international human rights standards. Table 5 Côte d’Ivoire: status of implementation of recommendations Recommendation Status To the Government Consider the fight against impunity as a main priority (para. 62) Not implemented. Impunity for crimes committed during the crisis in 2002 and subsequent human rights violations continued following the visit. Declare illegal and disband all militias (para. 62) Partially implemented. While little progress was made immediately following the visit, significant steps towards demobilization, disarmament and reintegration have been made since 2012. Pursue human rights violators in courts, regardless of their ethnic or political affiliation (para. 62) Not implemented. Immediately establish a national human rights commission (para. 64) Implemented. Established through decision 2005-08/PR in 2005, the commission began operation in January 2007. Reformed in December 2012, it was replaced by the National Human Rights Council in November 2018 through Law No. 2018-900. Respect the request for the creation of an international commission of inquiry aimed at ending impunity (para. 64) Not implemented. However, by its resolution 17/21 of 17 June 2011, the Human Rights Council established the mandate of the International Expert on the situation of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire. Release all individuals detained solely because of their opinions and beliefs or their belonging to an ethnic group (para. 65) Not implemented. While some political prisoners were released, journalists continued to be arrested, detained and charged in connection with their work. 21

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