Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Statement 157

Côte d’Ivoire – Human Rights Council Special Session

Statement made by
HE Mr Peter Woolcott
Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Australia

23 December 2010

 

The Australian Government is deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights and security situation in Côte d’Ivoire and calls on all parties to accept the will of the people, as expressed through the Presidential election.

Australia condemns in the strongest terms all acts of intimidation, incitement, human rights abuses and violence, and counsels that those who order, or who otherwise are responsible for, acts of violence against civilians or UN forces will be held accountable for their actions.

We strongly support statements by the international community such as the UN Secretary General and the UN Security Council, calling for maximum restraint and respect for human rights.

We particularly commend the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States, for their active involvement in seeking to find a solution to the problems besetting Côte d’Ivoire. We commend the African Group for their leadership on this issue in Geneva.

Australia fully supports the extended mandate of UN Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and urges an end to the blockade of the UN compound.