HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN IVORYCOAST

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The United Nations Friday called for an investigation into human rights violations perpetrated for years in Ivory Coast by traditional hunters known as Dozos who backed current President Ouattara in the disputed November 2010 election which erupted into a brief civil war..

The United Nations issued a report Friday saying its investigators have documented hundreds of "extrajudicial killings and summary executions, illegal arrest and detentions" committed by Dozos in the process of carrying out security duties for the Ivory Coast government.

Investigations concluded at least 228 people were killed, 164 were wounded in shootings or stabbings and 162 were "arbitrarily arrested and illegally detained by Dozos".

"In addition, 274 cases of looting, arson and extortion committed by the Dozos have been confirmed," a U.N. news release said.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Dozos "involved in the perpetration of human rights violations must be held accountable."

Pillay said Ivory Coast authorities "have the duty to deploy appropriate security forces throughout the country to prevent the population from using Dozos on security issues. Impunity granted to Dozos in [Ivory Coast] by the government of President Ouattara is unacceptable and must be stopped."