Statement by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at Côte d'Ivoire's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr President,
We welcome Côte d'Ivoire's active role on the Human Rights Council during its membership. We also welcome steps the country has taken to develop its domestic legal, institutional, and policy framework.
To foster inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections in 2025, it is vital that civic space remains open.
Recent violations of the rights of LGBT+ individuals are concerning. We urge the government to fully protect these communities.
We recommend that Côte d'Ivoire:
Allow for inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections by promoting the rights of freedom of association, assembly, and peaceful demonstration, in line with Article 20 of the constitution.
Respond to the concerns expressed about ordonnance 2024-368 so that civil society organisations can act freely and contribute to democracy.
Protect the rights and physical safety of LGBT+ individuals, including by applying the full provisions of the penal code to people that perpetrate violence against LGBT+ individuals.
Thank you.
