While the world's attention has been focused on Libya, the humanitarian crisis in Côte d'Ivoire has reached devastating proportions and requires a strong and concerted international response. Freedom House today echoes the call of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the United Nations Security Council to intervene on behalf of the people of Côte d'Ivoire and take necessary measures to assist in the immediate removal of Laurent Gbagbo, including through military action if necessary.