People in Gbon, a locality situated at 130 km from Korhogo, on 21 April 2016 havemade a solemn commitment to maintain peace and strengthen social cohesion promised in their village.

This was done during a session of an information and sensitisation session known as ONUCI Tour, initiated by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) based in Korhogo.

In his speech, the head of the UNOCI delegation, Human Rights Officer Alex Kapalo, encouraged people to fight to end all forms of violence against women and girls, which he said constituted a hindrance to community cohesion. « Gender-based violence is the sort of practice that excludes women from gaining power and weakens social cohesion », he insisted.

The chairman of the ceremony, the deputy prefect of Kolia, Raymond Kouadio Konan, who represented his counterpart in Gbon, pleaded with traditional chiefs, youths and women to do everything to ensure that social cohesion lasts within their respective families and communities, by giving impetus to the conflict management committees.

UNOCI’s Civil Affairs, Public Information, Human Rights Divisions, UN Police, as well as the Regional Human Rights Commission in Bagoué, made a presentations on different issues such as strengthening social cohesion, promoting the values of the culture of peace, respect for human rights, gender-based violence, security and protection of civilians.

During the sessions, local people raised several concerns including conflcits between farmers abd pastoralists, chieftaincy disputes and bad management within the local conflict management committees. They also expressed their gratitude to the UN Mission for the role it has played in the return of peace in Côte d’Ivoire and made a a commitment to preserve this peace by using sensitisation and dialogue between communities.