The Ivory Coast government should make greater efforts to prevent and punish rape, according to a report [text, DOC, in French; summary, DOC] released Monday by the UN Operation in the Ivory Coast (UNOCI) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) [official websites]. The agencies examined data from 2012-2015, documenting 1,129 cases of rape and finding that 66 percent of victims were children. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said, “Côte d’Ivoire in recent years has recorded significant progress in terms of human rights, but the persistence of rape and impunity towards their perpetrators remain of serious concern and requires urgent action.” The report made several recommendations, including revision of the criminal code to define rape and other sexual offenses and providing victims with access to legal aid.

The Ivory Coast has faced turmoil since 2010 when former president Laurent Gbagbo [BBC profile; JURIST news archive] an for reelection against former prime minister Alassane Ouattara [BBC profile]. The EU recognized that Ouattara defeated Gbagbo, but Gbagbo refused to concede victory. Gbagbo has been accused [JURIST report] of starting a civil war after losing the presidency, which resulted in 3,000 deaths and one million people displaced. Gbagbo is currently facing trial before the International Criminal Court.