REPORT: Communities Shattered by Arms Proliferation and Abuse in Côte d'Ivore

The irresponsible and illegal supply of weaponry and munitions to the warring parties in Côte d'Ivoire has continued for over a decade, despite the 2004 UN arms embargo. These arms have contributed to an escalation of hostilities that fuelled a pattern of serious violations of human rights and violent crime, in particular during the 2011 post-electoral crisis. The dire situation in Côte d'Ivoire underscores the urgency for UN Member States to finalize an effective Arms Trade Treaty at the March 2013 UN conference.