A/HRC/29/49
labour market. Over time, this situation could have a destabilizing effect. The Government
should continue to pursue lasting solutions to the problem with the support of its
international partners.
42.
In addition, the Government should continue its efforts to combat child labour,
especially in cocoa plantations and mines, and these efforts must be seriously supported by
international partners. The subregional dimension of this problem must be incorporated into
the responses that are considered. More generally, despite progress made in this area, many
Ivorian children still do not enjoy all the rights recognized under the Convention on the
Rights of the Child. This state of affairs was analysed by the United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF) in 2014. Action at national level to address these shortcomings should
continue with the support of international partners on the basis of the recommendations put
forward in the UNICEF report and those of the National Child Protection Policy adopted in
2012.
IV. Justice and national reconciliation
43.
The long years of unrest and violence have wreaked havoc on the infrastructure of
the judiciary. They have also seriously diminished human resources, damaged the training
and motivation of remaining staff and resulted in an increase in the number of unresolved
disputes. Bearing in mind the lawlessness that usually prevails in times of armed conflict,
this situation has encouraged a climate of impunity that is detrimental to the country’s
stability, reconciliation and social cohesion.
44.
Reforming and restoring the justice system is a prerequisite to improving the human
rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire. Of course, the Ivorian Government’s efforts in this area
must be recognized, commended and encouraged, especially since it is no easy task.
International partners must also continue to support these efforts.
A.
Justice: Reforms under way
45.
The Ivorian authorities’ efforts to reform the justice system cover a number of areas.
Firstly, work is being undertaken in the area of human rights training and awarenessraising, targeted in particular at law enforcement personnel, NGOs, the media and young
people. United Nations bodies support these efforts at all levels in a cross-cutting manner
covering all dimensions of human rights.
46.
In this regard, a promotional caravan on human rights issues organized in
collaboration with UNOCI toured all the regional capitals for one week. Another
audiovisual awareness-raising campaign plans to involve well-known Ivorian artists to take
advantage of their public profile.
47.
A second aspect relates to the fight against impunity. In this regard, the national
commission of inquiry into the post-electoral crisis of 2010 submitted its report in 2012.
The report should serve as a road map for the development of a balanced strategy for the
judicial response to impunity. The special investigation unit (which did not have
jurisdiction) was replaced by the special investigation and examination unit in order to
initiate appropriate criminal prosecutions.
48.
Criminal proceedings have already begun and the assize courts resumed their
sessions in December 2014 after having been forced to stop for more than 10 consecutive
years. In addition, despite the criticism it has faced, the work of the Dialogue, Truth and
Reconciliation Commission is also aimed at combating impunity in the sense that it leads to
reparations for victims.
10
GE.15-08296
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