UPR Follow-up: Ivorian civil society on the front line
What happens after the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)?
In Côte d’Ivoire, as in other countries involved in the process, the UPR continues on the ground through a meaningful coordination effort among institutions, civil society, and partners. The goal: to turn recommendations into concrete and measurable actions.
The fourth UPR of Côte d’Ivoire took place on November 5, 2024. On this occasion, it received 273 recommendations, accepted 226, noted 37, and partially accepted 10. The outcome of the review was adopted on March 24, 2025.
Recognizing the UPR as a process whose success depends on broad national engagement, UPR Info, in collaboration with the Regional Office for West Africa of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), organized two workshops in Abidjan to support the efforts of civil society organizations (CSOs), the National Human Rights Commission of Côte d’Ivoire (CNDH), and other stakeholders.
On June 10 and 11, 2025, 36 members from CSOs and the CNDH gathered to explore their role in the follow-up of the recommendations. At the end of the two days, 5 action plans (4 from civil society and 1 from the CNDH) were developed and discussed collectively. Each action plan was structured around two priority recommendations for each thematic group. Discussions among participants highlighted the challenges to be addressed, particularly in terms of coordination among stakeholders, available resources, and communication with state authorities.
"This workshop is an opportunity for mutual enrichment. I am convinced it will help build on experiences, clarify responsibilities, set clear objectives, and strengthen everyone's contribution to the effective implementation of the recommendations received," Marie Paule Kodjo, Vice-President of the CNDH.
"This type of workshop is crucial for structuring our actions and ensuring effective follow-up. We are very satisfied with the quality of the training. We will continue working to develop a comprehensive implementation plan," a representative of an NGO present at the two-day training.
On June 12, a second workshop brought together 15 representatives of the diplomatic corps, including resident diplomats and representatives from international organizations. The aim of this session was to raise awareness among these actors about the importance of their involvement and their technical and financial support in implementing the UPR recommendations.
Discussions highlighted collaboration opportunities and encouraged stronger engagement in concrete projects to help realize the recommendations made to Côte d’Ivoire.
The Ivorian experience demonstrates that only close collaboration between CSOs, national institutions, and international partners makes it possible to plan coordinated and sustainable actions.
Now that the foundation has been laid, efforts must continue to bring these action plans to life—review after review—so that each accepted recommendation can become a tangible advance for human rights in Côte d’Ivoire.