Côte d’Ivoire

The Minister of Reconciliation and National Cohesion, Mr. Kouadio Konan Bertin alias KKB, chaired, on Friday, the double ceremony of installation of the Executive Bureau and inauguration of the headquarters of FIDHOP, an institution of civil society directed by Dr Boga Sako Gervais.

FIDHOP: Dr Boga Sako Gervais, between passion and challenges for Human Rights in Côte d’Ivoire

The Founding President of the Ivorian Foundation for Human Rights and Political Life (FIDHOP), Dr Boga Sako Gervaiscontextualized the birth of his organization and shared his vision of the role and the need for African States to have a stronger civil society in the promotion, protection and defense of Human Rights.

The ceremony was enhanced by the presence of leading personalities including Mrs. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO, President of the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC) and Former First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, ambassadors and religious guides.

Below is the message of Dr Boga Sako Gervais, President of the Executive Board of FIDHOP

Today is October 21, 2022; a special day for all Human Rights Defenders in Africa and around the world!

Because it was on October 21, 1981 that, meeting there in Nairobi, KENYA, under the aegis of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which became the AU in the year 2000, African leaders adopted the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. And since 1989, in General Assembly in Benghazi, in LIBYA, the AU instituted the African Day of Human Rights; which is celebrated every October 21.

Thus, in celebrating this day, October 21, 2022, the solemn inauguration of the new Headquarters of our organization, FIDHOP, in coincidence with the Commemoration of African Human Rights Day, I would like you to join me, to remember all the victims of Human Rights, in the world, on the African continent and particularly in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. For all these victims, these women, these children and these men, whom our States failed to protect and who were precipitated towards death, I ask you to observe A MINUTE OF SILENCE…

Thanks !

I/ THE BASIS OF OUR COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS

1/ The origin of our passion for Human Rights:

One could say that I became a Human Rights Activist by chance or by accident; because it is not the discipline that I studied during my academic career.

But for me, it’s a real Vocation. GOD has given me grace!

Because, since studying, The DIVINE made me hate Injustice, Abuse of power and above all Violence. So, I trained and perfected myself in this area, to accomplish my part of the Mission on earth, before he called me back to HIM!

And it was precisely when I returned from my first Pilgrimage to ISRAEL, in November 2009, that HE inspired me on the plane with the idea of ​​creating FIDHOP.

2/ The specificities of FIDHOP:

Two main reasons motivated us to create FIDHOP and this is what makes it special.

The first motivation that introduces us to Human Rights is their spiritual dimension. The right to life appears as the best example to prove that human rights are a gift from the DIVINE. And I was overjoyed to have confirmation of that in the very first words of the American Declaration of Independence.

The second reason for the creation of FIDHOP started from an observation: we observe that the tragedies and the worst crimes against humanity in Africa arise from political conflicts. Therefore, our structure aims to raise awareness and train especially political actors and decision makers on their responsibility in respect of Human Rights.

II/ THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS HEADQUARTERS FOR FIDHOP.

1/ What is the meaning and advantage of having a seat?

After my experiences at the Ivorian League for Human Rights (LIDHO), from 1994 to 2005; then at the APDH (Actions for the Protection of Human Rights), from 2005 to 2007 and finally with the CNDHCI, I quickly realized the importance of a seat for any NGO.

Indeed, the headquarters testifies to FIDHOP’s seriousness, sense of responsibility and professionalism in its fight for the promotion, protection and defense of Human Rights. The head office is a pledge of confidence for the populations, for the State and for our foreign partners.

This is why from the creation of our Foundation in April 2009, we have set up a headquarters, which was located at the Riviera Attoban, opposite the Parish of St Bernard. But unfortunately, in the post-electoral crisis of 2010-2011, our premises were attacked and ransacked twice, in Mrs, then in April 2011; before the President of FIDHOP suffered serious death threats. All things that forced me to flee for exile, which lasted ten years.

Today, by inaugurating this headquarters, my collaborators and I want to reassure all those who are victims of human rights violations and who need help and assistance.

Finally, for our students, our journalists and all researchers who need internships, or information, or analyzes on Human Rights issues, they now know where to find us.

This seat is therefore an added value for Côte d’Ivoire in terms of the promotion, protection and defense of human rights!

2/ What are its new challenges for FIDHOP?

• Subscription of projects to be financed by our partners, relating to Democritus and the upcoming elections.

• Installation of FIDHOP Sections throughout the country.

Already ready for their investiture: ADZOPE, DIVO, GAGNOA, DUEKOUE…

• Monthly conference on the state of Human Rights in Côte d’Ivoire.

This is the periodic report on the observation and monitoring of human rights and political life by FIDHOP.

• Opening of a HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING INSTITUTE.

• HOWEVER, there are always EMERGENCIES to REPORT:

– I plead for the Liberation of Pulchérie Edith GBALET;

– I plead for the lifting of the Judicial Review against me.

III/ FIDHOP AND ITS PRESIDENT SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION TO DONORS!

1/ My Thanks:

TO MEMBERS of FIDHOP, who trust me; who supported me and helped me to return home.

Today, 53 Ivorian executives make up the new EXECUTIVE OFFICE; they are qualified in all fields and live in all corners of the world, in the twelve (12) countries where we have FIDHOP Delegations: in Côte d’Ivoire, in Italy, in France, in Belgium, in Switzerland, in the Kingdom United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, USA, Tunisia and Nigeria.

Ms. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO, THANK YOU: because from exile, preparing for my return, you received my collaborators, to tell them that you were also waiting for me; this reassured me. Thanks for the honor!

Through you, I want to express my gratitude to all the political leaders who granted an audience to FIDHOP:

President Henri Konan BEDIE; Mrs. BONY Claverie; Prof. Georges Armand OUEGNIN…

To the PRIME MINISTER, I say thank you for the trust and constant support: for our participation in Political Dialogue 5, it’s him!

Special thanks to the Minister of State, Minister of Defence, for his support, which was a real pleasant surprise.

Minister KOUDIO KONAN BERTIN, Minister of the RCN, THANK YOU for me, and thank you to all the exiles returning to their country…

2/ We still have needs:

WE NEED COMPUTERS AND PRINTER; especially for students and interns.

“HELP US TO BETTER DEFEND HUMAN RIGHTS; BUT DON’T TRY TO CORRUPT US!

And I said! »

LONG LIVE FIDHOP; FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TO LIVE IN CI!

GOD BLESS US!

Dr BOGA SAKO GERVAIS

• President and Founder of FIDHOP

• Teacher-Researcher at the UAO