UN: Hundreds abducted in Côte d’Ivoire as election aftermath escalates

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UN: Hundreds abducted in Côte d’Ivoire as election aftermath escalates

2010-12-20 17:26:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

GENEVA (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, has expressed deep concern about the growing evidence of massive violations of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire, saying hundreds of people have been abducted.

Côte d’Ivoire has been thrust into political uncertainty and violence after current president Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede electoral defeat. The UN and the international community has endorsed the victory of opposition leader and President-elect Alassane Ouattara, despite Gbagbo's claim to have won.

Last week, dozens were killed and hundreds more were injured during violent clashes between Ouattara protesters and presidential guards in Côte d'Ivoire. Since then the situation has escalated quickly.

"When people are victims of extrajudicial killings there must be an investigation, and there must be accountability," Pillay said. "However, the deteriorating security conditions in the country and the interference with freedom of movement of UN personnel have made it difficult to investigate the large number of human rights violations reported."

The UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) said it received reports from hundreds of victims and members of their families about the abduction of individuals from their homes, especially at night, by unidentified armed individuals in military uniform accompanied by elements of the Defence and Security Forces or militia groups. Abducted persons are reportedly taken by force to illegal places of detention where they are held incommunicado and without charge. Some have been found dead in questionable circumstances, the UN said.

"I call upon all parties concerned to respect the human rights of all Ivorians, without discrimination," Pillay said. "UN human rights officers in Cote d’Ivoire are on the alert and will continue to closely monitor the situation across the country."

Gbagbo has ignored repeated calls from many countries and international agencies to admit and respect the voting results.

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