A delegation of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) was in Yezimala village (446 km east of Abidjan) on Wednesday 19 November 2014 to urge the population to consolidate peace during the forthcoming elections.

« The elections will mark a turning point for a lasting peace in Cote d'Ivoire, » the UNOCI Public Information officer in Bondoukou, Desire Ndagijimana told some 50 participants of a meeting that brought together the village Chief and his notables, community leaders, women and youth leaders, adding that « the Ivorian people should not miss this opportunity to take the lead on the road to democracy. »



The head of the UNOCI Regional Human Rights office, Djibo Hamadou explained the mandate of his office and educated the people on the fundamental principles of human rights necessary for human society and social cohesion. The non-respect of these rights, he said always leads to conflict and war. By contrast, the respect of these rights enables people to live together in peace. Mr. Hamadou urged them to report cases of violation of human rights to the appropriate authorities.

The representative of UN Police, Palm Sie spoke of their role to assist the Ivorian security forces and called on them to cooperate with the forces of law and order by reporting wrongdoers.



The village Chief, Kobenan Kouman expressed gratitude to the UNOCI delegation for the quality of the discussions and committed the village to implementing the recommendations made.