Cote d'Ivoire is gradually emerging from the 2010-2011 crisis and consolidating its gains, although efforts are still needed in some important areas. The results of the presidential election held in October 2015 were not majorly challenged. Legislative elections are scheduled for 2017 and it is expected that they can be used to assess progress. Particular efforts are needed in the fields of transitional justice, strengthening social cohesion, and security sector reform.
In this context, UNHCR continued its close coordination of protection activities with the Government of Cote d'Ivoire, its operational/implementing partners, and civil society organizations active in the country. In 2017 particular emphasis will be put on achieving durable solutions for all population groups including: opportunities for local integration for refugees in the country, especially those of long duration, reintegration for returning Ivorian refugees and voluntary repatriation in light of the positive developments in some countries of origin (such as Central African Republic); and resettlement in third countries for refugees who meet the criteria.
Prevention and reduction of statelessness will remain a high priority, and UNHCR will redouble efforts to implement its statelessness strategy and assist the Government in implementing its National Action Plan. This will be achieved through a greater understanding of the population of concern, the implementation of legal reforms, the application of laws already in place and the reinforcement of government entities in charge of eradicating statelessness.
Finally, protection monitoring will remain a central element of protection to assess needs in relation to all populations of concern to UNHCR and should serve as an early warning mechanism in order to increase advocacy with relevant bodies and assist in monitoring suggested or implemented solutions.
UNHCR will implement its protection and solution strategy keeping in mind the strategic global priorities, in particular: (i) Provide access to procedures for asylum and territorial protection; provide protection against refoulement and the adoption of nationality laws that prevent and/or reduce statelessness; (ii) Ensure birth registration, profiling, and the establishment of papers on the basis of individual registration; (iii) Reduce the protective material risks to people of concern, in particular, discrimination, sexual and gender violence (SGBV), and specific risks faced by children; (iv) Increase opportunities for durable solutions for people of concern, particularly in protracted situations, including through more systematic use of comprehensive approaches and contribution to sustainable reintegration, local settlement, and resettlement in third countries.
2017