A/HRC/23/38
organizations have nevertheless emphasized that more community and religious leaders
need to be involved in the reconciliation process.
66.
The Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission has informed the Independent
Expert that it has created a reliable database that will make it possible to hold public
hearings within the next few months. The Commission is also looking into the root causes
of the crisis. The Independent Expert is concerned about the fact that the Commission’s
mandate will expire in September 2013.
67.
The Independent Expert points out that human rights should embrace Ivorian
cultural values, which have provided a solid foundation that has kept the Ivorian people
from slipping into genocide. There is reportedly a tendency for some religious
denominations to preach radical sermons, sometimes discriminating against women, which
runs counter to the secular nature of the State of Côte d’Ivoire.
68.
The Independent Expert wishes to emphasize the role of children in the
reconciliation process, and he agrees with the approach taken by the representative of the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Côte d’Ivoire, who suggested that “play
areas could become reconciliation areas”. Schools should be put to use to help rebuild
citizenship.
69.
The Independent Expert notes the important fact that exiles whose lands have been
transferred to newcomers are trying to return. Although the Government has stressed that
soldiers and civilians occupying public buildings and property belonging to exiles are being
evicted, the Independent Expert regrets that no far-reaching measures have been taken to
allow exiles to return their illegally occupied land, particularly in the western parts of the
country, and this constitutes a serious infringement of the right to housing and property.
The tension between exiles and new occupants negatively impacts community cohesion and
the reintegration of exiles into the social life of the country.
C.
Promotion of economic and social rights
70.
Recommendations were also made to Côte d’Ivoire with regard to economic and
social development, equality among regions and communities, and measures for women
and children, the main victims of the crisis.
71.
The Independent Expert believes that the promotion of civil and political rights is
closely linked with economic and social rights. In his view, Côte d’Ivoire urgently needs to
work to achieve stability and social peace in order to foster a climate conducive to
investment and economic and social progress, which is essential for meeting the
population’s basic needs.
72.
Côte d’Ivoire has shown a growth rate of more than 8 per cent, but this growth has
yet to improve the daily lives of the Ivorian people. According to the World Bank
representative in Côte d’Ivoire, this runaway growth, which is driven by public investment
in large-scale State infrastructure projects, is far from robust. The private sector appears to
be ready to invest in the country but is holding back due to the uncertain security situation.
The World Bank representative in Côte d’Ivoire said that the unemployment rate is around
49 per cent. According to the United Nations Development Programme, each year more
than 30,000 jobs are created in the formal sector, but more than 200,000 new graduates
enter the labour market. This situation raises the key issue of young people’s access to
employment.
73.
Basic social services are still difficult to access. The sustainability and continuity of
health services are not guaranteed. The health-care facilities were damaged during political
and military clashes after the 2010 elections. The maternal and infant mortality rate is 500
14
GE.13-15028
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