A delegation of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Tuesday, 17 November 2015, discussed strengthening social cohesion in order to protect children with people in Kpably, a village in Toulepleu sous-préfecture in the west of the country. The discussions were held during a sensitisation and information session organised by the UN Mission.



The different sections of UNOCI presented their respective mandate and sensitised people on the importance of national reconciliation, collaboration with local security forces, respect and promotion of human rights and the consolidation of peace – which are all essential for the development of their locality.



Clément Dago from UNOCI's Human Rights Division urged people to strengthen child protection in order to be able to fight against rape and early pregnancy which prevents young girls from reaching their potential. « Lets get together, parents and children, to end violence against children,», he added.



For her part, Sylvie Konan from the UN Mission's Civil Affairs Section, the time had come to consolidate peace because peace is necessary in order to be able to build Côte d'Ivoire and work for lasting development. « The election was held in a peaceful climate and for that we congratulate you on your efforts and encourage you to resolve your conflicts peacefully in order to strengthen social cohesion », she said.



The United Nations Integrated Office coordinator in Toulepleu, Hélène Sylvie Zomahoun, urged people see their children as precious treasures capable of meeting the development challenges of their country and their village. «Lets commit ourselves to development by training and educating our children on the fight against sexual violence, » she said.



The village chief, Nicodème Gbadjké, expressed his people's gratitude to UNOCI for its actions to re-establish peace and the advice and information that are given to people during its sensitisation sessions, which in turn led to the holding of peaceful presidential election on 25 October 2015. « Your messages today have brought us comfort in our search for peace. Children are our future and we must do all we can to protect them, » said Mr. Gbadjké.



Concerns raised by people during the sensitisation session included componesation payment to victims of the different Ivorian crises, the construction of youth centre, having a second water pump installed in the village, support to women in harvesting their cassava and rice crops and milling machine.