The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Ben Saul, is scheduled to visit Côte d’Ivoire from 29 November to 9 December 2024. During his visit, Saul will evaluate the compliance of Côte d’Ivoire’s laws and practices in countering terrorism with international human rights law, including criminal laws and measures to counter the financing of terrorism and violent extremism.
Saul’s agenda includes meetings with Government officials, members of the judiciary, law enforcement authorities, policy experts, civil society organizations, community and religious leaders, terrorism victims, UN representatives, and other relevant stakeholders. Additionally, he plans to visit detention facilities to conduct interviews with individuals suspected or convicted of terrorism-related activities.
The primary objective of the visit is to provide constructive recommendations to support the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in balancing its counterterrorism efforts with the protection of human rights. Saul will hold a press conference on 9 December in Abidjan at 15:30 local time at the UNDP premises. Access to the press conference will be strictly limited to journalists.
Saul is expected to present a detailed report to the Human Rights Council in March 2026 based on his findings and observations during the visit. The report will highlight key areas where improvements can be made to ensure the protection of human rights while effectively countering terrorism in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has facilitated this visit, underscoring the importance of upholding human rights principles in all counterterrorism efforts. Stay tuned for updates on Saul’s visit and the subsequent report that will shed light on the human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire in relation to counterterrorism measures.
