Children's Access to Justice for Environmental Rights | Côte d'Ivoire

This report looks at whether the laws and policies in Côte d’Ivoire make it possible for children to access their environmental rights.

The Constitution recognises the right to a healthy environment and Côte d’Ivoire has made the protection of the environment a priority in recent years.  The Environmental Code was reformed in 2020. A new Investment Code was also adopted, placing duties on companies to promote sustainable development. In 2015, a training campaign helped build environmental knowledge among magistrates. Environmental protection is part of school curricula, and in theory children have the right to speak out about the environment. However, in reality there are some barriers. While freedom of expression in the school environment is guaranteed by the Education Act, some reports highlighted that children do not have opportunities to share their voices. Moreover, the right to engage in peaceful assemblies is protected for both children and adults, but reports show that peaceful meetings set up by civil society organisations and groups are regularly prohibited or dispersed. The police and gendarmerie use excessive force especially during election periods.

This report was published in April 2022 and developed with the support of Eric Attiapo from Save the Children as well as finalised based on any feedback from the State. To learn more read the full report below, and please get in touch if this information was useful and you want to talk more.