The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and the NGO ''Bonne Action'' met with the inhabitants of Yably-Guinglo, 537 km north-west of Abidjan, on 16 October to discuss the need to strengthen social cohesion and development. The population also expressed their concerns regarding the mandate of UNOCI, human rights, the issue of land ownership and gender-based violence.



The representative of the Public Information Office called on the villagers to organise themselves and put their energies together in order to undertake development projects on a sound basis. "{You should not undertake land related projects without involving the traditional authorities, the notables and administrative authorities}," he advised them.



The representative of UNOCI Security Section stressed on the existing synergy between the impartial forces and the local forces in the protection of civilians and said he hoped for a frank collaboration of the civilian population so that peace can be reestablished in Cote d'Ivoire.



UN Police who also took part in the sensitization campaign dubbed ''ONUCI Tour'' called on all those in illegal possession of arms to hand them over to the authorities. He said it was in their own interest to do so, adding that their visit to the village was within the framework of protection of civilians.

The Child Protection officer placed emphasis on the respect for human rights. "{Abolish this habit of female circumcision. Women are suffering in silence and they run the risk of contracting diseases such as fistula and others}," he cautioned them.



Addressing the youths, the representative of the ''Bonne Action'' NGO, Jonas Siekpo urged them to get to work. "{You are not going to remain young all your life. That's why you must prepare the future now. It is important to avoid all forms of violence in order to attract investors to Cote d'Ivoire who, he said, would create employment}," he concluded.



The Secretary-General of the traditional council, Germain Bah said he was happy with UNOCI's visit to his village. He said the visit would contribute to strengthening social cohesion and motivate development action. "{We do not have problems of cohabitation in the village as we live in harmony.} " We are urging the youths to form cooperatives to promote agriculture and animal breeding," he said. He announced that the building of a school canteen is one project which keeps some of the youths busy.