The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Cote d'Ivoire has called for a balanced approach to counter-terrorism that prioritizes both security and human rights. On September 21, 2026, the CNDH opened a high-level seminar in Abidjan, focusing on counter-terrorism and human rights. The event, organized by the International Academy for Counter-Terrorism (AILT) in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, brought together experts and specialists from various backgrounds.
The CNDH's Vice-President, Bamba Drissa, represented the council at the opening ceremony. He emphasized the need to align counter-terrorism policies with human dignity and the rule of law. Drissa, speaking on behalf of CNDH President Dr. Adjelou Christian Arnaud, highlighted that protecting populations and maintaining peace and stability are crucial, but not at the expense of fundamental human rights.
The CNDH stressed that counter-terrorism measures should not compromise human rights, citing concerns about arrest and detention conditions, judicial guarantees, and protection of vulnerable populations. The council also emphasized the importance of preserving public freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, and preventing torture and inhumane treatment.
According to the CNDH, human rights violations can erode trust in institutions and create an environment conducive to radicalization and feelings of exclusion. To address this, the council advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, social inclusion, education, and combating hate speech. This approach is based on the "3 P" principle: Prevention, Promotion, and Protection of human rights.
The CNDH also called for ongoing dialogue among defense and security forces, judicial institutions, national human rights institutions, media, civil society, academia, and international partners. The council hopes that the seminar will produce concrete recommendations tailored to the Ivoirian context, which can inform public policies on security and human rights protection.
Cote d'Ivoire has strengthened its counter-terrorism capabilities, but the CNDH emphasizes the need for continued training of security and judicial actors, as well as enhanced control mechanisms and accountability. The council's goal is to ensure that counter-terrorism efforts are grounded in a security framework that is both protective and respectful of human rights.
The two-day seminar aims to identify mechanisms that can foster trust between security apparatus and populations while ensuring that counter-terrorism measures are law-compliant and proportionate. The CNDH hopes that the seminar's recommendations will contribute to a more balanced approach to counter-terrorism in Cote d'Ivoire, one that prioritizes both security and human rights.
Key points
- The CNDH advocates for a balanced approach to counter-terrorism that prioritizes both security and human rights.
