Statements on CI

Human Rights Abuses in Cote d’Ivoire

Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 13, 2002

The United States reaffirms its support for the government of Cote d’Ivoire. The US has repeatedly condemned the effort to overthrow the government by military force.

The United States condemns the widespread human rights abuses in Cote d’Ivoire perpetrated both by government and rebel forces. These abuses include extra-judicial killings, extra-legal activity, harassment, and extortion by forces of both sides.

We also call for an immediate end to the heinous practice of recruiting child soldiers, as well as for the disbandment of self-defense groups.

The violent effort by rebel forces to overthrow the government and the government’s response have exacerbated ethnic and other tensions within the country. The U.S. calls on all Ivoirians to practice tolerance and respect the human rights of all Ivoirian citizens and of non-citizens, as well as to exercise restraint in their public statements and cease any efforts to incite violence.

The U.S. reiterates its support for a peaceful solution of the crisis, including the ongoing negotiations under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States in Lome, Togo. We call on all political parties and civil society to work seriously together to keep Cote d’Ivoire from sliding into civil war.

 

Released on November 13, 2002