On February 23, Front Line, the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, the West African Human Rights Defenders Network, and the Ivorian Coalition of Human Rights Defenders issued a statement expressing their concern for the steady rise in threats made against human rights defenders in Cote d’Ivoire since the presidential elections in November 2010. During the last three weeks, at least 12 human rights defenders and journalists have been threatened, arrested, or intimidated.

 

Among those who have been harassed is World Movement participant Traore Wodjo Fini, President of the Cote d'Ivoire African Union Club and General Coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition for Peace and Democratic Development in Cote d'Ivoire. Mr. Wodjo Fini has been receiving death threats since February 14.

 

The above organizations urge the authorities in Cote d’Ivoire to immediately cease all acts of intimidation and threats against human rights defenders, journalists, and other members of civil society; accept their responsibility to ensure effective protection of human rights defenders and their families; and guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders in Cote d'Ivoire are able to carry out their legitimate and peaceful work in defense of human rights without fear of reprisals and free of restrictions.

 

In its “Defending Civil Society” report, the World Movement for Democracy articulates six principles that govern and protect Civil Society from repressive intrusions on the part of governments. The sixth principle states that “The State has a duty to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the obligation to protect the rights of civil society.”

 

To read the full statement on Cote d’Ivoire, go to: www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/14554

 

For more information on the Defending Civil Society project, go to: www.wmd.org/projects/defending-civil-society