Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


UN: Human Rights Violations Committed in Ivory Coast Conflict

   Selah Hennessy  June 10, 2011
   Supporters of Alassane Ouattara point to what they say are the burnt
   remains of three alleged soldiers loyal to president Laurent Gbagbo, in
   the Abobo district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast (File Photo - March 7, 2011)

Photo: AP

   Supporters of Alassane Ouattara point to what they say are the burnt
   remains of three alleged soldiers loyal to president Laurent Gbagbo, in
   the Abobo district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast (File Photo - March 7, 2011)

   A United Nations human rights body says investigators have found
   evidence that both sides in the Ivory Coast conflict may have committed
   crimes against humanity and war crimes.
   The U.N. Human Rights Council sent an inquiry panel to the country May
   4-28. After visiting several cities, the panel concluded that serious
   human rights violations, including murder and rape, were committed by
   both sides, some of which could constitute crimes against humanity and
   war crimes.
   The panel called on the Ivorian government to carry out an impartial
   investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
   The West African nation plunged into a five-month conflict following
   disputed elections last November. United Nations-certified results
   showed that Alassane Ouattara defeated incumbent Laurent Gbagbo. But
   Gbagbo refused to step down, sparking a power struggle that killed
   about 3,000 people.
   The conflict ended when troops loyal to Ouattara swept through the
   country and ousted Gbagbo on April 11 with the help of U.N. and French
   forces under a Security Council mandate.
   President Ouattara, who was formally sworn into office in May, has
   promised to hold accountable all those who committed crimes during the
   political crisis.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

.