War victims in Klobly urged to get involved in the reconciliation process

Officials of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ivorian Commission for Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation (CDVR) have told the inhabitants of Klobly (Toulepleu division, 655 km west of Abidjan) to work hard to make development a reality, contribute to the security of the border zone and endeavor to settle conflicts through dialogue and consultation.

The officials held discussions on Tuesday 15 April 2014 with the population on the need respect the law by exposing all forms of violence against women and to promote forgiveness and social cohesion.

A representative of UNOCI's Human Rights division spoke on transitional justice and called on the population to look towards the future in order to rebuild the country. According to Edouard Munyeshuli, transitional justice was a means to reconciliation and the building of a lasting peace following the serious violations of human rights during the crisis. Transitional justice, he explained, consists in establishing the truth, rendering justice and ensuring compensation for victims. "When the CDVR commission comes to your area, do not hesitate to speak to its members and to tell the whole truth so that justice is done," he advised the population.

The Sub Prefect of Klobly, Kouassi Koffi thanked UNOCI for the enriching discussions, saying "we have understood your message and would make sure that reconciliation and peace becomes a reality in Klobly." He called on the population to massively take part in the ongoing general census which he said was a development exercise. He reiterated a public order by the Prefect of Toulepleu banning the consumption of 'bush meat' in order to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus which has infected people in some neighbouring countries.

The traditional chief of Klobly, Robert Wahi Paha said he was honoured by the meeting. "We have taken note of what you have said. It is peace we are looking for; we are working for the reconciliation of the sons and daughters of this village. It is the price for the development take- off of our village."
It would be recalled that with the support of the UNHCR, 221 families comprising 556 persons of this area have been able to return home as refugees exile in Liberia till date.