A delegation of United Nations experts on the Rule of Law and Gender-based violence in conflict situations, led by Innocent Balemba Zahinda, has been on mission in Côte d'Ivoire since 20 October 2014.



Mr. Zahinda told journalists that his delegation's mandate is to provide technical assistance to countries in conflict or going through a post conflict-period as is the case in Côte d'Ivoire. The delegation deals with sexual violence cases and works with Governments to prevent them.



During its visit in Côte d'Ivoire, the team will discuss with the Government what sort of assistance it should provide to help in the fight to end gender-based violence.

The team has already met with several sections of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), representatives of United Nations agencies, members of the Ivorian Government, as well as officials from the Ivorian police and gendarmerie.

«We have held meetings with national partners who are involved in this issue. During these meetings we discussed what sort of assistance we can provide to the authorities. Efforts are being made at all levels in terms of prevention and response to this problem," said Mr. Zahinda.



The team of experts also took note of the measures being carried by the Ivorian Government to tackle the problem of gender-based violence. "The Forces Républicaines de Côte d'Ivoire (FRCI) have a programme which includes prevention and training. There is also the Ministry of Solidarity, Women and Children which coordinates conformity to the national strategy which was recently put in place," added Mr. Zahinda.



The mission of the United Nations Experts on Rule of Law and Gender-based Violence linked to conflicts in Côte d'Ivoire ends on 23 October 2014.