The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, on Thursday, 29 May 2014, presided over the official ceremony commemorating International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers which took place in Korhogo in the Poro Region, situated some 600 km north of Abidjan. It was coupled with the 34th edition of United Nations Days.

 

The head of UNOCI read out the message of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, who stressed the need to modernise peacekeeping operations in order to ensure that they are able to tackle the peace and security challenges of tomorrow. "The United Nations is deploying new technologies such as unarmed, unmanned aerial vehicles, refining its practices to better protect civilians, and boosting the representation of women among its ranks while strengthening its partnerships with regional organizations".

 

The message also highlighted the fact that the United Nations is improving its logistical and administrative procedures. "Our goal is to ensure that peacekeeping is a cost effective, valuable investment that brings enormous benefits and, above all, saves lives".

 

The Prefect of Poro Region and the Department of Korhogo, Mr. Daouda Ouattara outlined UNOCI's contribution since the mission was created in April 2004. He paid tribute to UNOCI for all its efforts in providing security and supporting the Ivorian forces as well as training programmes it initiated for member of civil society organisations in Poro Region.

 

The ceremony was held in Independence Square. The Forces Républicaines de Côte d'Ivoire took part in the military parade organised by UNOCI peacekeepers, as a way of demonstrating the close collaboration between the two forces.



UN Peacekeepers Day provided the opportunity to show the different ways of protecting civilians.

An exhibition of stands showing the activities of UNOCI peacekeepers and civilians, as well as UN agencies in the region was also organised as part of the event.

 

The Special Representative and her delegation then went to the general hospital in Korhogo where she donated kits provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to women suffering from fistula. Mrs Mindaoudou showed compassion and support to the young women and girls who are victims of this condition. The hospital in Korhogo has 45 persons who suffer from this condition and 34 have already been operated on.

 

On behalf of United Nations agencies, Mrs Mindadoudou also donated 250 treated mosquito nets for patients at the main general hospital in Korhogo and the health centre in Koko (a neighbourhood in Korhogo). The donation was financed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).



The SRSG's delegation also donated books to the University Péleforo Gon Coulibaly de Korhogo. The books were on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, the fight against poverty and on the timetable of emerging countries. The objective of the donation is to provided printed material for the library which is used by 3,600 students, 1000 of whom attended the donation ceremony.

 

On Thursday afternoon, the Special Representative held working sessions with elected officials and dignitaries from the department, as well as traditional chiefs to seek their involvement in the promotion of social cohesion and national reconciliation in the area. She was accompanied by representatives of UN agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme and the UN Environment Programme.



Discussion forum between UN and local people



On Friday, 30 May 2014, the second day in Korhogo, was marked by the participation of the Special Representative and her delegation in a discussion forum between the United Nations and local people.



During the meeting, Mrs Mindaoudou signed an agreement for UNOCI to provide funding for the rehabilitation of the health centre in Koko.



Earlier, the delegation went to Lapkolo to visit a health centre, including a maternity clinic, and a primary school in the village which is situated some 5 km from Korhogo. The project was financed by UNDP a a way of bringing together ex-combatants and local people to work together for the development of their village. The rehabilitation of the health centre and the primary school was carried out by youths in village and ex-combatants.

 

Finally, as a prelude to the presidential election in 2015, the Special Representative urged people to work to establish a peaceful environment, which is necessary for the holding of free, transparent and credible elections.