The Human Rights division of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has made an assessment of the UN Mission's support for the transitional justice process through its assistance to the national Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (CDVR).



The process was put in place in Cote d'Ivoire to make an effort, through judicial and non-judicial mechanisms, to deal with the incidents off massive exactions and violence committed during the crisis and to bring to light the truth and those responsible for the violence, to render justice and create an atmosphere that is conducive to reconciliation.

The head of UNOCI Transitional Justice Unit, Marguerite Bukuru said transitional justice is founded on four main pillars i.e. the right to know, the right to the truth, the right to justice and the right to reparation and guarantee of non-repetition.



She said UNOCI support consisted in putting its technical know-how and expertise at the disposal of CDVR bearing in mind that the concept was new and imprecise. This resulted in the organization of induction seminars, coaching, counselling and training for local chapters of CDVR. UNOCI also provided financial support worth 1.5 million dollars that was put at the disposal of the Peace-building Fund. The UN Country Team was also involved in the sensitization, monitoring and facilitating the movement of victims from the interior to Abidjan. The CDVR took primary responsibility for the process while the UN provided support.

Mrs. Bukuru outlined certain achievements of the CDVR including the setting up of 37 regional chapters, the mobilization of partner organisations , a profound study of the causes of the Ivorian crisis which would soon be published, the inclusive participation of the population and the taking down on record the testimonies of victims. Whereas the CDVR was expecting 50,000 people to take part in the process, 64,000 persons showed up for the entire exercise.



The CDVR is expected to publish a report in which the issue of reparation for the victims would be treated as well as other recommendations.

The UN official pointed out that the CDVR's mission was not to reconcile Ivorians but to create forums for reconciliation and to bring the truth to light. She said UNOCI can help by sensitizing the people on peaceful coexistence and the peaceful organization of elections. She expressed the hope that the public testimonies of victims of the crisis which were recorded on film would be broadcast.