E/CN.4/2005/18/Add.3
page 18
to determine, in a democratic manner and in the context of a political resolution of the
crisis, the nature of the exercise and the methods and structure to be adopted, along the
lines of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
61.
The need to rebuild community coexistence should be the guiding principle in
reviewing the political issues at the heart of the crisis, such as rural land tenure, nationality
and eligibility for high office, and in finding lasting solutions.
62.
The key components and structures of the apparatus of State should reflect the
multi-ethnic and multicultural nature of Ivorian society. A positive discrimination plan
should be worked out in a democratic manner and incorporated into the programme to
rebuild multiculturalism in Côte d’Ivoire.
63.
The regional dimension, which has loomed large in the history of inter-ethnic
relations in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as in the evolution of the current political crisis, must also
be taken into account when seeking a lasting reconstruction of the inter-ethnic fabric of
Ivorian society. All countries of the region, under the aegis of the Economic Community of
West African States, should work together to discuss and prepare a joint programme to
promote intercultural dialogue and cultural pluralism within the region and to reinforce
multiculturalism. The aim should be to ensure that population movements, cross-border
family relationships and cultural and ethnic ties cease to be open to manipulation for
political ends or the basis of identity polarization, and instead become key elements of
economic integration and cultural development, for example through the promotion of
intercultural tourism that highlights the prodigious artistic vitality of the peoples of the
region and the richness of their common heritage, both tangible and intangible.
64.
In order to root out the culture of impunity that has sprung up as a result of the
crisis and to reassert the rule of law, the Government and the Forces Nouvelles, in the
areas under their control, should give a high priority to the prosecution and trial of those
responsible for acts of xenophobic violence and violations of human rights and
humanitarian law.
65.
Arrangements to establish a national human rights commission, as provided for in
the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, should be speeded up.
66.
Côte d’Ivoire should give a high priority to ratification of the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families.
67.
In its next reports to the human rights treaty-monitoring bodies, in particular the
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Côte d’Ivoire should give
prominence to the question of the threat of xenophobia and to the state of inter-ethnic
relations following the deterioration observed during the current crisis.