Although the Security Council has identified six grave violations against children in armed conflict, to date it has focused primarily on the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Other violations affect much larger numbers of children, and result in terrible and long-lasting consequences, but have not received the same focused international response.

The Côte d'Ivoire government should begin formal proceedings against a long-detained Ivorian civil society leader and government critic or order his release. Prolonged pretrial detention violates Côte d'Ivoire's obligations under international law.

Human Rights Watch writes to Ivorian Minister of Justice Mamadou Koné to express our concern about the prolonged detention without trial of Ivorian civil society leader Modeste Seri. The Ivorian government should either initiate formal trial proceedings against Mr. Seri or drop all charges and order his immediate and unconditional release.

Under a new law signed today by US President George W. Bush, leaders of military forces and armed groups who have recruited child soldiers may be arrested and prosecuted in the United States.

Human Rights Watch writes in advance of the Security Council’s mission to Africa on June 1-10, 2008, urging the Council to use this opportunity to address pressing human rights issues in Sudan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.

The United Nations Security Council should address protection of civilians, justice, and human rights during its upcoming visit to Africa from June 1-10, 2008. Human Rights Watch highlighted critical issues that needed to be addressed at each of the stops on the council’s tour.

The government of Côte d’Ivoire should take immediate steps to end impunity for members of a pro-government student group responsible for numerous acts of violent, criminal behavior, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

Human Rights Watch writes to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in advance of his meetings in Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire as part of his upcoming four-nation West African tour, urging him to use his meetings with Liberian and Ivorian government officials, UN mission representatives, and members of civil society to address justice for past crimes.