Abidjan, October 30, 2025 – Auditorium of the Prime Minister’s Office, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

An official ceremony was held in Abidjan for the presentation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (CDN 3.0) and the pre-departure event of the Ivorian delegation to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The event brought together government representatives, local authorities, academics, civil society organisations, private sector actors, and international partners.

It reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s determination to advance global climate goals and sustainable development.
Among the participants were members of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), who actively support environmental protection, social solidarity, and human rights initiatives across the region.

The event was reported by Mr Vamara Fofana – IHRC Commissioner & Journalist (Côte d’Ivoire), representing the International Human Rights Commission during the ceremony.

An Integrated Approach to Climate Action

Following the welcoming remarks, speakers from key institutions and international organisations underlined Côte d’Ivoire’s integrated approach to climate governance and ecological transition.

Dr Éric Michel Assamoi, UNFCCC National Focal Point, presented the progress made in preparing Côte d’Ivoire’s participation at COP30.
He stressed the importance of ambition and tangible action, announcing that the national delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will operate a 100 m² national pavilion in Belém dedicated to climate and innovation projects.

Local Governments and the Private Sector as Pillars of CDN 3.0 Implementation

Mr. Gueu Dienot Gilles, Vice-President of ARDCI (San Pedro Zone), emphasised the need for coordinated local government action in implementing national climate policies.
He highlighted the public-private partnership model as a cornerstone of sustainable action and reaffirmed the commitment of local authorities to the national climate agenda.

Mr. Salah Ben Sedikh, Vice-President of UNEMAF and representative of the private sector (CGECI), underlined that private sector engagement must be concrete, measurable, and consistent with sustainability principles.
He called for the full implementation of Article 6.4 of the COP framework, ensuring the long-term credibility of international commitments, and urged collective mobilisation founded on responsibility and shared purpose.

Civil Society Engagement and Women’s Inclusion

Ms. Boussouf Bintou, representing civil society organisations (CSOs), praised the active participation of civil society and women in drafting the CDN 3.0 document.
She highlighted the integration of human rights and gender equality principles in the national strategy and advocated for fairer financial mechanisms between Northern and Southern countries, in line with global solidarity principles.

The Contribution of the International Community

Ms. Blerta Cela, UN Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, reminded participants that Africa accounts for only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet suffers disproportionately from the effects of climate change.
She commended the country’s consistent progress since 2015 and described the CDN 3.0 as inclusive, transparent, and inspiring.
She also noted Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitious target to reduce emissions by 33.07% through domestic efforts and up to 74% with international support.

Partnerships with the European Union and Brazil

H.E. Ichard Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Côte d’Ivoire, announced that the EU has invested €1.7 billion in low-carbon transitions and €150 million in reforestation initiatives.
He confirmed the forthcoming creation of a carbon market to reinforce green cooperation and commended Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in climate diplomacy.

H.E. José Carlos de Araújo Leitão, Ambassador of Brazil, stated that COP30 will focus on human-centred policies, social protection, and the fight against hunger.
He indicated that Brazil’s declaration in Belém will centre on poverty reduction and international solidarity, reaffirming Brazil’s readiness to host the event in an ecological and symbolic spirit.

Three Strategic Pillars: Investment, Transparency, and Communication

Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Mr. Assouahoré, recalled that the CDN is revised every five years in line with international commitments.
He outlined the three strategic pillars of CDN 3.0:

• the Investment Plan,
• the Transparency Framework,
• and the Communication Strategy.

He emphasised that success will depend on the active participation of all national stakeholders – government, private sector, academia, and civil society.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, head of the Ivorian delegation to COP30, expressed confidence in the country’s preparations and praised the leadership of the Minister of Environment, reaffirming that the government will vigorously defend national climate priorities on the international stage.

A Shared Commitment to the Future

The ceremony concluded with the official handover of the CDN 3.0 document and a group photo with technical and financial partners, symbolising the shared responsibility for a resilient and sustainable future.
Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its readiness to play an active role at COP30, standing as a leading example of regional cooperation and sustainable transformation in West Africa.

Article prepared by:
Vamara Fofana – IHRC Commissioner & Journalist (Côte d’Ivoire)

The post Côte d’Ivoire Strengthens Its Climate Commitment – Presentation of CDN 3.0 and Preparations for COP30 in Belém first appeared on ihrc.news.

Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law in Southern Syria

IHRC NEWS draws attention to the latest wave of forced displacement targeting Bedouin tribes in the province of As-Suwayda, southern Syria. The actions, carried out by armed militias affiliated with Hikmat Al-Hijri—one of the prominent non-state actors in the region—constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the fundamental rights of civilian populations.

Documented Abuse and Civilian Suffering

According to credible reports and documentation by both local and international human rights organizations, the displacement campaign was marked by disturbing acts of violence against civilians, including women and children. Eyewitnesses and humanitarian monitors have confirmed instances of brutal beatings, with victims displaying visible injuries—particularly women and children—underscoring the excessive use of force by the militias.

Detainees Released After International Mediation

The release of several detainees occurred only after a complex mediation process, involving guarantees from the Syrian government, as well as international actors including the United States, Jordan, and Turkey. This intervention highlights the gravity of the crisis and the breakdown of rule of law in the affected region.

A Grave Breach of the Geneva Conventions

The forced displacement of civilians, accompanied by violence and intimidation, constitutes a war crime under international law. The Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit the forced transfer or evacuation of civilian populations, except for their own security in situations of imminent danger. The actions in As-Suwayda represent a severe breach of these international norms.

Urgent Calls for Accountability and Redress

IHRC NEWS echoes the urgent demands of human rights organizations—including Taaluf Humanitaire International Organization—for an independent and transparent investigation under United Nations supervision. The perpetrators must be held accountable, sanctions must be imposed, and the safe return and compensation of displaced families must be ensured.

Syria at a Crossroads

The situation in As-Suwayda, Syria, stands as a critical test for the international community. Ongoing silence and inaction will only embolden further violations and deepen the humanitarian crisis. Justice, accountability, and protection for the displaced remain non-negotiable priorities.

Report prepared with reference to documentation by Taaluf Humanitaire International Organization – Human Rights Office. For IHRC NEWS.

The post 📰 IHRC NEWS | Special Human Rights ReportForced Displacement of Bedouin Tribes in Syria’s As-Suwayda by Al-Hijri Militias first appeared on ihrc.news.

NGA: The World Day of Social Justice observed annually on February 20th, serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting social justice for all. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and take collective action to address the root causes of social injustices.
On the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice, the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC emphasizes the importance of bridging gaps and building alliances to promote social justice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

The Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah in a statement made available by his media team, said the day serves as a reminder of the need to address social inequalities, discrimination, and human rights violations, and to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all individuals.

IHRC recognizes that no single entity can tackle these challenges alone, therefore, it emphasizes the need for collaboration and building alliances among individuals, organizations, and governments.

“It is imperative that we work together to address the systemic injustices that plague our communities and perpetuate inequality. We must strive to create a society where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their background or circumstances”, he noted.

By standing in solidarity with one another and advocating for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, we can bring about lasting transformation and create a more just and inclusive society for future generations, “ Because what we do today we do for generations”, he added.

He urged government at all levels, organizations, and institutions to bridge the gaps and build alliances that will empower the people to create a better world for all.

He maintained that the IHRC is ready to collaborate with governments, organizations, and individuals to promote social justice and ensure that every person’s rights are protected and respected.

Signed
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post World Day of Social Justice: IHRC Calls for Renewed Efforts, Building Alliances towards Social Justice first appeared on ihrc.news.

Henceforth, the general public should take note as anyone who engages with Muhammad Shahid Amin Khan in the IHRC or any other platforms such as ihrcigo@gmail.com, ihrc.hq@gmail.com, info@ihrc-hq.org info@ihrc-geneve.org http://www.ihrc-hq.org, http://ihrc-geneve.org, http://ihrc-wyc.org, http://ihrcrft.org and material promoted by these imposters does so at their own risk and shall also be dealt with by the law.

The International Human Rights Commission-HRC will not assume responsibility or be held liable for the consequences of decisions made based on information from these social accounts. As we continue to effectively engage respective authorities in dealing with them, you are thus advised to take note and understand that all IHRC communication is disseminated through its Official website

Issued by
Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik
IHRC Secretary-General, Switzerland.
EU.02.01.2024

The post Urgent Notice of Disclaimer: Fake Goodwill Ambassadors Nominations first appeared on ihrc.news.

UNRWA Under Scrutiny: IHRC Tasks UN on Transparency, Accountability.

In light of recent allegations involving the employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees, Near East in the Hamas attack on Israel, it is important to emphasize the role of transparency and accountability of the UN’s actions.

These allegations, which led to the suspension of UNRWA funding by several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, and the United Kingdom, underline the need for a thorough investigation. Such actions are crucial not only to maintain the international community’s trust in UN organizations but also to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without violating human rights and security principles.

Rafał Marcin Wasik, Secretary-General of the International Human Rights Commission-IHRC, expresses concern over these reports, emphasizing that they should be thoroughly investigated before any conclusions are drawn. He also stresses that organizations like UNRWA are essential in providing humanitarian assistance and that their work should not be undermined by unconfirmed accusations.

Wasik calls for support of the UN in its efforts to protect human rights, emphasizing that any situation requiring investigation should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen internal processes and increase transparency in actions.

This article aims not only to draw attention to a specific case involving UNRWA but also to highlight the general importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability within the UN and its agencies. This is crucial for maintaining the trust of the international community and the effectiveness of the mission of this global organization.

The post UNRWA Under Scrutiny: IHRC Tasks UN on Transparency, Accountability first appeared on ihrc.news.

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Switzerland, attended the 24th Session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the University for Peace (UPEACE), on Thursday 18th May 2023.

Representing IHRC, H.E. Ambassador at Large Daniel Blaszczyk and Commissioner Samet Belli at Room XXIV, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland (Hybrid Format) which promotes Good Practices in Operationalising the Right to Development in South-South Cooperation.

Reported:
IHRC Commissioner Samet Belli

The post United Nations: IHRC Attends 24th Session Intergovernmental Working Group first appeared on ihrc.news.