From Abidjan to Korhogo: A Journey to Assess Victims’ Needs in Côte d’Ivoire
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During consultations, three women from Abobo and Yopougon listen to their peers’ recommendations for reparations policies. During consultations, women were given opportunities to work exclusively with other women, allowing them space to more comfortably express their needs and ICTJ a way to better understand them.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the state aims to restore victims’ rights and offer reparations to those affected by 2010’s post-election violence. A couple of years ago ICTJ came to the conclusion that discussions about how to provide reparations to victims had not sufficiently considered victims' opinions and needs, particularly of those living in the provinces or in marginal areas, some of whom were the most affected by the conflict.
To help address these shortcomings, ICTJ organized consultations throughout the country, providing victims with forums to discuss their needs. Participants discussed the consequences of the conflict, the obstacles they now face as a result, and what sorts of policies would meet their needs. The forums included men, women and youth in Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting the diversity of experiences during the conflict and the needs that manifest themselves in communities today.
The demands and suggestions expressed in these consultations form the basis of our new report, “Recommendations for Victim Reparations in Côte d’Ivoire.”
Go inside the consultation process with Senior Associate Cristián Correa of ICTJ’s Reparative Justice Program, who besides conducting the project and co-authoring the report photographed the experience.
