The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) recently organized a sensitization meeting on social cohesion for security forces and civil society in Alepe, 40 km from Abidjan.



The campaign was aimed at promoting better cohabitation and confidence between security forces and the population, the protection of civilians and reconciliation.



The meeting was presided over by the Prefect of Alepe division and brought together a hundred participants including the Mayor of Alepe, the forces of law and order, the gendarmerie, the Ivorian army (FRCI) and wardens of the Water and Forestry department. Others included members of women's cooperatives, youth associations, traditional authorities, media practitioners and senior administrative authorities.

The head of the UNOCI delegation, Marie-Irene Richmond of the Public Information Office urged participants to become the true messengers of peace in their respective communities and area of work.

The Prefect of Alepe, Mrs. Diaby Dao Aminata warmly welcomed the initiative of UNOCI in organizing the seminar. "UNOCI contributes actively and significantly to the development of our country through the financing of quick impact projects, campaigns for peace, reconciliation and social cohesion," she said.

Several themes were discussed including the respect for human rights norms, the protection of the child, management of rumours within the framework of promoting social cohesion, the contribution of the UN to security sector reform and the disarmament process.

After deliberations in workshops, recommendations related to the promotion of peaceful cohabitation between security forces and civil society were drawn.

A football match between the forces and the youths was played to mark the occasion.