The Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Côte d’Ivoire and UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. M’Baye Babacar Cissé, participated in the 43rd edition of United Nations Days which took place from 19 to 21 April 2016 in Danané, situated at 600 km west of Abidjan.

The theme of the three-day event was : « Danané Residents and the United Nations hand in hand for the Consolidation of Peace and Promotion of Social Cohesion and National Reconciliation».

A series of cultural performances and sensitisation sessions, as well as film screenings were part of the Days’ activities.

In addition, 20 April 2016, the DSRSG also held discussions with members of local government, elected representatives, local dignitaries, traditional chiefs and youth and women’s leaders from the region.

The discussions focused on land ownership issues, security, political rivalry, chieftaincy problems, youth unemployment, poverty, respect for women’s rights, the fight to end gender-based violence and girls education.

Before these meetings, these different groups had held discussions during preparatory workshops organised as part of the Days. At the end of these workshops, the participants made different recommendations which were later presented to the DSRSG.

Among the recommendations were how best to resolve land issues by ensuring that laws governing land ownership are translated into local languages, eviction of people occupying classified forests and applying laws which prevent the illegal sale of forests.

With regard to chieftaincy problems, the workshop participants pleaded for the application of local laws and customs and urged thos concerned to end political rivalry, respect each other’s differences, fight against misinformation and promote the culture of forgiveness and mutual trust.

Local people also made a plea for the creation of more private companies which will help end youth unemployment.

The workshops also recommended the setting up of a monitoring and security committee and made a commitment to collaborate with local security forces.

Participants at the event also urged the government to set up a training centre for those interested in farming and pastoral activities. With regard to the United Nations, local people requested that the Organisation build a market, a sporting complex and a social centre. They also pleaded for capacity-building training for youths on social cohesion and conflict management.

In his address to participants, the Deputy Special Representative encouraged them to become actors in promoting social cohesion and peace. He urged the women to participate in elections as a means to changing their situation. «You have an important role to lay in this region. This role should not be neglected. Respect for your right sis important for the promotion of social cohesion social », said Mr. Cissé.

The DSRSG also stressed that the United Nations would continue to accompany and assist the Ivorian Government which is responsible for the country’s development. He urged parents to send their children to school.

Recalling the United Nations will never tire of meeting ordinary Ivorians in an effort to strengthen their capacity and their adherence to the peace consolidation and promotion of national receonciliation process, the Deputy Special Representative said that thanks to individual and collective efforts, the country had taken a decisive turn in its history by renewing its democratic principles and leaving behind the crisis.

With regard to the UN Days event, Mr. Cissé said they had been organised as a way of accompanying local and national efforts to consolidate the achievements made so far with regard to social cohesion, national reconciliation and security.

With reference to the recommendations made by participants at their various workshops, Mr. Cissé said: « These recommandations and observations show your desire to act collectively to preserve social cohesion, local development and maintain lasting peace in Tonkpi region. I would like to assure you that particular attention will be paid to your observations and recommandations ».

The Deputy Special Representative and his delegation then visited the premises of the Government’s Service for Help and Assistance to Refugees and the Stateless - Service d’Aide et d’Assistance aux Réfugiés et Apatrides (SAARA) where 25 refugee associations have set up several projects funded by the United Nations.

Several donations were made to the local population by United Nations agencies during the event, including a Quick Impact Project costing $24, 000 from UNOCI’s HIV/AIDS Unit, and health equipment to a local NGO SUR to help the local fight to end HIV/AIDS.

UNFPA, for its part, donated medical material and equipment costing $50,000 to the directorate of health in Danané, the World Food Programme donated food to returning refugees.

The Prefect of the department, Blé Pépé Joseph, thanked the United Nations for all its efforts to promote peace and social cohesion in Côte d’Ivoire

The 43rd edition of United Nations Days ended on Thursday, 21 April 2016.