Being a Woman and a Human Rights Defender in Côte d'Ivoire
On July 16 and 17 2024, Côte d'Ivoire was examined by the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) for the first time since ratifying its convention, nearly thirty years ago. Pedan Marthe Coulibaly, National Coordinator of the Ivorian Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (CIDDH), partner of the OMCT SOS-Torture network, represented civil society at this session and now shares with us how her participation in CAT's work will help improve the defense of human rights, particularly for women, in her country.
What led you to get involved in the field of human rights and prevention of torture?
Everything started from observing certain human rights violations in my country, particularly women's rights. I am the current National Coordinator of the Ivorian Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, and when we talk about torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, we are also talking about physical, moral assaults, and traumatic aggressions against human rights defenders. Hence, our commitment to protecting human rights defenders within the framework of our partnership with OMCT.
Have you encountered difficulties in your involvement, and how have you overcome them?
The challenges are enormous, and I think that to overcome them, you first need a passion for the defense of human rights. The lack of financial resources is compounded by the fact that sometimes, although our advocacy to government authorities is heard, it does not always lead to immediate action. However, it is crucial to persevere and continue advocating. Fortunately, we have the support of partners who believe in us and support us, like OMCT and other international organizations, which are technical and financial partners.
Working as a woman in human rights protection in Côte d'Ivoire also comes with difficulties related to cultural pressures, where female leadership can be seen as unusual. Sometimes, highly committed women are still labeled as "women acting like men" and a woman alone in her advocacy actions can have a lesser impact, particularly at the local community level.
In which sectors of society are human rights defenders most exposed?
LGBTI rights activists, as well as those defending causes related to governance, corruption, or women fighting against excision and sexual harassment, are exposed to significant risks. They face dangers especially in areas where awareness of issues like excision is still insufficient. We documented a case where a defender who published a report on sexual harassment received anonymous threats after its release. We had to advise her to limit her movements and implement physical and digital security measures for her and other members of her organization.
In 2025, Côte d'Ivoire will have its next presidential election. Do you fear threats against human rights defenders?
On June 12, the President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire issued an ordinance concerning civil society. The provisions of this ordinance restrict the freedom of association, expression, and demonstration. It calls for the dissolution of any organization that would cause trouble or spread accusations against the authorities, and we fear the dissolution of certain civil society organizations and arrests if the 2025 elections provoke disputes.
In June, you launched a movement of women human rights defenders in West Africa. What is the importance of this new structure?
This movement was launched to protect women defenders and marginalized groups in West Africa, a region marked by terrorism and coups. In this unsafe environment for human rights defenders, especially women, this network will allow them to be heard on regional and international stages by working together.
What is the role of civil society in Côte d'Ivoire?
It's challenging work, and I salute the courage of civil society organizations in Côte d'Ivoire that are actively trying to improve human rights through advocacy, collaborating with United Nations mechanisms, conducting investigations, organizing trainings, and raising awareness. In 2014, civil society organizations, notably the Ivorian Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, proposed recommendations to create a law protecting human rights defenders. These recommendations were turned into a law promoting and protecting human rights defenders, adopted in June 2014. This is one example among others, showing how civil society can positively influence human rights in Côte d'Ivoire.
What are your hopes for the future of Côte d'Ivoire?
I hope for a strengthened collaboration between authorities, human rights institutions, and civil society organizations. I am also optimistic about the human rights defenders’ protection mechanism launched in Côte d'Ivoire in March 2022, and hope it will at some point include the defenders themselves in its composition and decisions. I dream of a future where all international legal texts adopted by our country will be fully implemented. Together, we can build a future for Côte d'Ivoire where human rights are respected and valued for all.
