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Côte d’Ivoire: UN expert lauds efforts to welcome asylum seekers, urges Government to adopt narrower definition of terrorism
ABIDJAN – Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to host more than 63,000 asylum seekers fleeing terrorist violence in neighbouring countries and its substantial investments in the northern region are laudable, a UN expert said today.
“Côte d’Ivoire has demonstrated a proactive and balanced approach, integrating both security measures and long-term development initiatives. It attempted to close the gap between the population and the security forces,” said Ben Saul, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, at the end of his 10-day visit to the country.*
“I acknowledge the significant efforts made by the Government to manage the influx of asylum seekers fleeing violence across the border,” Saul said. “I salute the resilience and generosity of these communities, despite their own precarious circumstances, and encourage the Government to provide durable solutions for these displaced populations.”
“Despite the large number of asylum seekers, very few security incidents have been reported since 2021,” the expert said. He praised recent legislative improvements and initiatives and called for the Government to adopt a more narrow and precise definition of terrorism. “This would ensure that only acts that genuinely constitute terrorism are covered, aligning the country’s legal framework with international standards,” Saul said.
Acknowledging that a new National Strategy for the Prevention of Violent Extremism and the Fight Against Terrorism will soon be implemented, Saul encouraged the Government to engage with all relevant stakeholders during its implementation and ensure the strategy is made public to uphold transparency and inclusivity.
The Special Rapporteur called for better follow-up on terrorism-related cases and called for improvements in prison conditions, particularly regarding overcrowding, to ensure they meet international human rights standards.
Recognising the Government’s cooperation with civil society organisations on several projects, Saul also urged the Government to ensure that the new counter-financing of terrorism legislation of 2023 and a subsequent ordinance on civil society organisations do not disproportionately impact human rights or civil society groups.
The Special Rapporteur will present a detailed report on his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026.
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*The expert: Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Comprising the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, Special Procedures is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
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