Gozon inhabitants urged to maintain social cohesion and respect human rights

The people of Gozon have been urged to maintain social cohesion, respect human rights and promote development. UNOCI's mobile sensitization caravan known as ONUCI Tour stopped over in Gozon village, 534 km north-west of Abidjan on Tuesday 19 November 2013 to discuss with the people a number of issues of interest including the mandate and work of the UN Mission, the maintenance of social cohesion, respect for human rights and the rights of the child.

The representative of the Mission's Civil Affairs Section urged the population to be involved in the building of their village and the country. "You should constantly think about actions to help promote the wellbeing of your village and its development," he told them. He reiterated the problem of land ownership which he said was strictly regulated by laws and called on them to abide by them.

UNOCI security told the people that social cohesion depended on peace in the village and stressed the importance of collaboration between the people and the local defence and security forces as well as the impartial forces.

The Child Protection representative called on the population to respect human rights and the rights of the child. "Report any human rights abuses in your area so that the authorities can play their role," he said. He also told them to stop the practice of female circumcision which has harmful consequences for women.

A representative of the NGO Bonne Action stressed on the respect for native laws and customs which promote social cohesion. "Youths should not be enticed by an easy life and allow themselves to be manipulated," he warned, while encouraging them to avoid idleness and to find work that could contribute to the development of the area.