Global perspective Human stories

Security Council supports peace efforts and warns of sanctions in Côte d'Ivoire

Security Council supports peace efforts and warns of sanctions in Côte d'Ivoire

Council President Amb. Lauro Baja
Security Council President Lauro Baja today reiterated the Council's support for peace efforts in Côte d'Ivoire while also warning opposing factions that those who threaten the peace or violate human rights in the country will be subject to international sanctions.

The United Nations Security Council today reiterated its support for peace efforts in Côte d'Ivoire while also warning opposing factions that those who threaten the peace or violate human rights in the country will be subject to international sanctions.

In a press press statement read out by its president for September, Ambassador Lauro Baja of the Philippines, the Council commended the continued mediation efforts of President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa in helping the country inch its way towards national conciliation.

It also emphasized its continued support for peace efforts there by Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) was set up last year to monitor a cease-fire after fighting that first erupted in 2002 when rebels seeking to oust President Laurent Gbagbo seized the north, splitting the world's largest cocoa producer into two.

The 15-member body issued a warning to any factions in the country that might upset the peace process, or engage in “serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,” and invoked the Council's mandate under paragraphs 9 and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004), as well as the Pretoria agreement of 6 April 2005 which would allow the Council to take “appropriate action” to any threats.

Elections scheduled for 30 October have been delayed amid continuing problems.

Last month Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special-Representative Pierre Schori said that a monthly report on human rights across the country made for “grim reading” because of the absence of the rule of law, the daily harassment of people and the feeling of insecurity.