Inhabitants of Fouedougou village, 537 km north-west of Abidjan on 10 June 2014 took part in sensitization campaign on social cohesion, respect of human rights and state authority organized by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI).



UNOCI's Public Information representative Pierre Aby spoke about gender-based violence, physical aggression and female genital mutilation and its serious consequences. He called on the villagers to stop such malpractices including child labour and urged them to report perpetrators to the authorities.



Civil Affairs representative Jean Emile Nkiranue expressed satisfaction with the level of social cohesion in the village and advised them to respect diversity. " Ethnic differences are a source of wealth from all points of view and allows for progress. Respect for authority goes hand in hand with respect for the laws of the land," he remarked.

The representative of UN Police, Captain Hammami Mohsen spoke about security and called on the population to provide UNPOL and local security forces with reliable information in order to be better protected.



Other issues discussed include extortion by traditional hunters known as "dozos" and the need to sensitise former practitioners of female genital circumcision.