Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Côte d'Ivoire (Ratification: 1960)

Trade union rights and civil liberties. In its previous comments, the Committee took note of comments by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) concerning the abduction, torture and detention by the police, from April to July 2011, of Mr Basile Mahan Gahé, General Secretary of the DIGNITÉ Confederation and his transfer in July 2011 to Boundiali prison in harsh conditions. In those comments the ITUC indicated that it feared for his physical integrity. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, Mr Mahan Gahé was released from prison in December 2012, and since then he has been able to exercise his rights in full, including his trade union activities at the head of the DIGNITÉ Confederation.

The Committee has been informed of Mr Mahan Gahé’s death in September 2013, nine months after his release. The Committee expresses its deep regret at the long term of imprisonment (21 months) endured by Mr Mahan Gahé in reportedly difficult conditions, and observes that the Government’s report gives no indication of the charges for which he was imprisoned. The Committee strongly recalls that the arrest of trade union leaders without any charges being brought constitutes a serious restriction of the exercise of freedom of association and a violation of the Convention, and that all appropriate measures should be taken to prevent the danger that such arrests involve for trade union activities. It further recalls that freedom of association can be exercised only where respect for fundamental human rights is fully guaranteed, particularly the right to life and the right to personal safety. The Committee strongly urges the Government to ensure respect for these principles in the future.