UN'S TOP RIGHTS OFFICIAL CONDEMNS 'DEATH SQUAD' ACTIVITY IN CÔTE D'IVOIRE
New York, Feb 7 2003 3:00PM

The top United Nations human rights official today expressed grave concern
over the growing violence in Côte d'Ivoire, condemning the propaganda
carried by some national media aimed at inciting war, hatred and xenophobia.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, reminded
all concerned that grave human rights violations are punishable as
international crimes and declared his readiness to advise UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan to seize the Security Council of such crimes
if needed. Backing the Council's call last Wednesday, he urged the
country's authorities and rebel movements to take all necessary measures to
put an end to the violence and punish those responsible.

The Commissioner also underlined the essential role of an independent and
impartial media in national reconciliation, as set out in the Programme of
Government and National Reconciliation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement of
last month, and in the recommendations of the recent UN human rights
mission to Côte d'Ivoire.

Meanwhile, Carolyn McAskie, the Secretary-General's Humanitarian Envoy for
the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, has just completed visits to Ghana, Burkina
Faso, Liberia, and Guinea, where she got a first-hand look at the effects
of the crisis on neighbouring countries.

"There is a lot that needs to be done by the international community to
help. I think we should be generous at this time, " she said in Abidjan,
urging donors to address the crisis. The United Nations has issued a Flash
Appeal for $22 million to meet humanitarian needs, but only 11 per cent of
funds requested have been received.

In New York, the Secretary-General today appointed Albert Tevoedjre as
his Special Envoy for Côte d'Ivoire. A national of Benin, Mr. Tevoedjre was
a former Member of Parliament and Minister. He also served as Deputy
Director General of the International Labour Organization. Mr. Tevoedjre
will be leaving New York for the region this weekend and is expected to
arrive in Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday.

UN News Service