A/HRC/23/38 C. Attempts to restrict public freedoms 20. The Independent Expert notes that recent contradictory decisions and events illustrate the weakness of public freedoms in the country. The arrest of Ousmane Sy Savané, head of a pro-Gbagbo press group, for breaching State security, and his release after more than a year in detention, as well as the decision of the National Press Council to suspend the weekly Bôl’Kotch publication for eight editions following its publication of articles hostile to those in power, illustrate the urgent need for national dialogue on the role and responsibilities of the press in the construction of a democratic multiparty system. 21. In some instances, security operations have led to serious human rights violations, notably unlawful detention and inhuman or degrading treatment carried out by some members of the security forces. 22. The decision of the Abidjan prosecutor’s office to refuse the Ivorian Civil Society Federation access to its administrative premises following an internal dispute — despite a court decision — is likely to raise doubts about the willingness in some quarters of government to guarantee freedom of association. Civil society should be strong, independent and have sufficient resources to play a central role in guaranteeing a democratic multiparty system, a role that should have full political recognition and appropriate legal protection. 23. The Independent Expert has been informed of a number of measures likely to restrict political parties’ activities. On several occasions, campaigners have been arrested and then freed, without any charge being made against them, or else accused of the generic offence of breaching State security. In other cases they have been banned from demonstrating, under various pretexts. The most striking example is the Ministry of the Interior ban on the FPI rally planned for 16 March 2013. IV. Implementation of recommendations made to Côte d’Ivoire and the international community 24. Since the beginning of the post-election crisis, several recommendations have been made to the Ivorian authorities by the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the 2011 international commission of inquiry and the Independent Expert. These recommendations relate to several areas, including democratic governance and the consolidation of the rule of law; national reconciliation and peacebuilding; and the promotion of economic and social rights. A. Democratic governance and rule of law 25. Recommendations have been made to the Government concerning the drawing up of a consensual democratic charter and the establishment of independent and impartial institutions and mechanisms in the areas of elections, financing of political parties, equal access to information and communication, and respect for basic freedoms. 1. Political dialogue and electoral process 26. Political dialogue is a fundamental condition for the socioeconomic recovery of Côte d’Ivoire. Its ultimate goals are to make the national democratic framework the only credible forum for political debate, remove all legitimacy from the use of violence and foster a culture of peace. Although the implementation of a permanent framework for dialogue with the participation of most political parties represents a decisive step in this regard, the non- GE.13-15028 7