"We now understand better the values of peace, peaceful resolution of conflicts, human rights and the rights of the child," declared Ouattara Abdoulaye, the chief of Sandegue village, 438 km northeast of Abidjan, after a public meeting organized in the village on 16 August 2013 by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) based in Bondoukou.



The sensitization was conducted by representatives of UNOCI's Human Rights and Public Information offices, Noubadoum Joseph and Ndagijimana Desire respectively who discussed the dangerous affects of rumours on social cohesion and the importance of dialogue in maintaining and strengthening social cohesion.



Speaking on behalf of the legal clinic in Bondouko, Kossonou Nguettia called on the population to take advantage of the free legal consultations offered by the legal clinic. "In a state of law, when citizens are not aware of their rights, it is difficult to establish social cohesion or peaceful coexistence," he pointed out.



The President of the women's association in Sandegue, Mrs. Ouattara Mariam spoke of the massive mobilization of the population and the climate of peace that prevails. "We owe this peace to the advice of the administrative, traditional and religious authorities," she said.



The Sub Prefect of Sandegue, Ahui Roger, said he was satisfied with the presence of UNOCI in his administrative area and reaffirmed the importance of the sensitization sessions and discussions with the population. Some 150 people took part in the public meeting.