U.N. human rights experts say executions, arbitrary detentions and disappearances are still occurring in Ivory Coast. In a joint statement Friday, the experts said in certain circumstances, enforced disappearances amount to "crimes against humanity." They said those who have committed such acts will be held accountable.
The statement was issued by the U.N. working group on enforced or involuntary disappearances, which reports to the U.N. Human Rights Council. The United Nations says more than 170 people have been killed in violence following last month's run-off presidential election in Ivory Coast. Tensions there are high as incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo refuses to hand over power to his political rival, Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner of the election.