UN expert on freedom of expression to visit Côte d’Ivoire

A United Nations human rights expert, concerned about the role of the media in the sporadic conflicts in Côte d’Ivoire, will visit the West African country next week at the Government’s invitation.

Ambeyi Ligabo, the Commission on Human Rights’ Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, will “collect first-hand information and substantive elements regarding violations of the freedom of opinion and expression” in the north of the country, according to a statement released today.

Fierce fighting between the Government and rebel forces has largely died down and French and West African peacekeeping troops have been keeping the warring parties apart. Inter-communal clashes in western Côte d'Ivoire, however, recently claimed nearly three dozen lives and forced hundreds to flee their homes.

Mr. Ligabo will meet senior government officials dealing with the media during his 28 January to 5 February visit. Among the other people he will talk to will be representatives of the national and international print and electronic media, youth and women’s organizations and intergovernmental organizations.

“The Special Rapporteur gathers relevant information on, among other issues, discrimination and threats or use of violence and harassment directed at persons, including professionals in the field of information, seeking to exercise or to promote the right to freedom of opinion and expression,” the statement said.