Probe human rights abuses in Cote d’Ivoire: UN

United Nations – The UN Friday called for investigations into serious human rights abuses committed in Cote d’Ivoire by the Dozo, traditional hunters who have killed hundreds of people over the past four years.

A report, produced by the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire ( UNOCI) in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, has documented serious human rights abuses committed by the Dozo during their security activities, Xinhua reported citing Farhan Haq, the acting UN deputy spokesperson.

“According to the investigations, at least 228 people were killed and 164 injured by bullets, machetes and knives, and 162 people were arbitrarily arrested and illegally detained by Dozo,” Haq said at a news briefing here.

“In addition, 274 cases of l! ooting, arson and extortion committed by the Dozo have been verified an! d confirmed.”

Navi Pillay, UN high commissioner for human rights, said the impunity enjoyed by the Dozo was “unacceptable” and “must be stopped”.

She also stressed that the authorities had a duty to seriously investigate the human rights abuses and deploy security forces throughout the country to prevent people from using the Dozo for security reasons.