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presstv
The United Nations has set up an international probe into post-election violence in Ivory Coast as unrest continues to haunt the West African country.

The UN Human Rights Council on Friday approved to dispatch an independent international commission of inquiry to the country.

The approval comes after Nigeria presented a resolution on behalf of African countries, which was passed by unanimous consent.

The 47-member council also strongly condemned "atrocities" and expressed concerns about "the seriousness and extent" of abuse which has been taking place in the post-election violence in the country.

Violence erupted in Ivory Coast following the November 28 presidential elections and after incumbent Laurent Gbagbo refused to hand over power to his rival Alassane Ouattara.

The developments come one day after a UN mission in the capital, Abidjan, said on Thursday that political unrest in Ivory Coast had claimed at least 462 lives since mid-December 2010.

The mission says only 52 civilians have been killed and many more injured in the last week shelling and indiscriminate violence against civilians. Five children and seven women are among the dead.

About 500,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the violence.

Gbagbo and his rival Ouattara have been locked in a standoff since the presidential elections in November. Tensions escalated after they both claimed victory and appointed separate cabinets.

The international community has recognized Ouattara as the rightful winner of the elections.

The disputed presidential election has raised the risk of a long power struggle that could trigger another civil war in the country.