Geneva, April 13 (IANS) The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights office has demanded a fair trial for all perpetrators of violence on both sides of the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire.

They should undergo open and transparent investigations that lead to a fair trial and accountability, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) office here Tuesday.

According to OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, the organisation noted Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara's pledge Monday night that former president Laurent Gbagbo would be treated fairly and in accordance with the law.

"We understand that a number of former FDS (the Defence and Security Forces) soldiers loyal to Laurent Gbagbo were also arrested yesterday (Sunday), and it was unclear where they were taken and how they were treated," said Shamdasani, adding that OHCHR's human rights staff in Abidjan were looking into the situation.

In the western part of Cote d'Ivoire, where supporters to both sides of the political divide had engaged in heavy fighting during the past few months, OHCHR's investigation teams had so far confirmed 536 people killed in places such as Duekoue, Guiglo, Blolequin and Bangolo.

But the number could be much higher than the confirmed and OHCHR was continuing investigations in that area, Shamdasani said.

Meanwhile, an International Commission of Inquiry was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council Tuesday, to investigate the allegations of serious abuses and violations of human rights committed following the presidential election of Cote d'Ivoire in November 2010.

The three-member Commission is due to present its findings to the Human Rights Council at its next session in June.