In a bid to consolidate peace, reinforce social cohesion and the fight against child trafficking and child labour along the border zone, the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Wednesday 9 April 2014 organized a seminar which brought together local administrative and political authorities, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of women's and youth groups and associations as well as security forces in the Ivorian border town of Niable, 240 km east of Abidjan. The seminar was also attended by a delegation of Ghanaian notables

Topics discussed included the rule of law in a border zone, the contribution of community leaders to peace and social cohesion, the challenges of trans- border child trafficking and child labour facing border authorities. Discussions were conducted by the UNOCI coordinator based in Abengourou, Luc Zina, Bernard Aka Malan of the Public Information Office and the regional director of the Ivorian Ministry of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children based in Abengourou, Michel Gonty.

The community leaders decided to adopt a neutral and impartial position in order to avoid discrimination in the settlement of differences, not to become members of any political party, to ensure the respect and application of the law, to set up monitoring committees in the villages, collaborate with the security forces, avoid rumours, create committees for the protection of children and to sensitise the population about the ill effects of child trafficking and child labour.



The Mayor of Niable, Paul Kouame said he was pleased with the choice of his town for the seminar which has helped to bring the different communities together. "After the crisis which we experienced, we think social cohesion was affected; thus any activity which promotes social cohesion among the population to live in peace is welcome," he said.

The sub Prefect of Niable, Bakayoko Saguidi said the UNOCI initiative would ensure a better security of the borders and create real peace and social cohesion in the area. He called on participants to spread the knowledge acquired and the messages of peace, social cohesion and national reconciliation and development to their various communities.