African Union – ACHPR- 35th session – Banjul – may 2004
RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
IN COTE D’IVOIRE
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights at its 35th Ordinary Session held
in Banjul from 21st May to 4th June 2004, in Banjul, The Gambia;
Considering the provisions of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Charter of
the United Nations, as well as those of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights (African Charter), and other regional and international human rights and
international humanitarian law treaties, to which the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire is a party;
Deploring the events of 24th to 26th March 2004, which were marked by shootings,
wounding and massacres of innocent civilians;
Welcoming with appreciation the Government’s statement that a Commission of enquiry
will be set up;
Considering the findings of the Commission of Inquiry of the Office of the United
Nations High Commission for Human rights which found the Government authorities
responsible for the March 2004 gross human rights violations;
Considering the grave concerns expressed on 27 May 2004, by the Peace and Security
Council of the African Union , at the situation prevailing in Cote d’Ivoire and its
repercussions on peace and security, stability for the country and for the entire subregion;
Deeply concerned over the deadlock in the implementation of the Linas-Marcoussis
Agreement and the continuing deterioration of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and the
impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of gross human rights violations against civilians since
1999;
Recalling the missions carried out by the African Commission from 2nd to 4th April 2001
and from 24th to 26th April 2003;
Considering the initiative of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights to
set up a Commissioner to investigate the human rights violations perpetrated since the
beginning of the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire;
Noting the laudable role of ECOWAS in its efforts to bring peace to Côte d’Ivoire and
the efforts of the President of the African Union Commission to facilitate an effective relaunch of the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire and, more particularly, to contribute to the