Immigrants in Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a West African country that has historically been a destination for immigrants from neighboring countries, as well as from other parts of the world. The country has a diverse population, with various ethnic groups and languages represented.
According to the United Nations, in 2020 there were an estimated 2.6 million international migrants living in Côte d'Ivoire. The majority of these migrants come from neighboring countries in the region, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea. Many of these migrants come to Côte d'Ivoire for economic opportunities, particularly in the agricultural and informal sectors.
In recent years, there has also been an increase in the number of migrants from other parts of the world, particularly from Asia and the Middle East. These migrants are often involved in the retail trade and other small businesses.
Côte d'Ivoire has a legal framework for immigration and has signed various international conventions on the rights of migrants. However, there have been reports of discrimination and mistreatment of migrants, particularly those from West African countries. The government has taken steps to address these issues, such as creating a national strategy on migration and setting up a mechanism for monitoring and reporting on cases of discrimination and violence against migrants.
Overall, the presence of immigrants in Côte d'Ivoire has contributed to the country's cultural and economic diversity, but challenges remain in ensuring the protection of their rights and well-being.