International Children's Day on 20 November 2013 was celebrated in Côte d'Ivoire with a ceremony in Niable sub Prefecture, 240 km east of Abidjan, organized by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and its partners: the regional department of the Ministry of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children, as well as the NGOs, Save the Children and Vision Nouvelle.



UNOCI's representative in Abengourou seized the opportunity to reiterate the readiness of the UN Mission to support the Ivorian Government's efforts and other local initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of children in accordance with its mandate and means. He said the aim was to strengthen social cohesion, promote reconciliation and consolidate peace for the wellbeing of the population and children in particular.

He called on parents to inculcate the values of love, forgiveness, tolerance, unity and non-violence in their children in order that they become the artisans of peace in a world free of conflicts, hatred and war and in which dialogue and negotiations among communities is the order of the day.



The Mayor of the town, Paul Kouame, said he was pleased with the choice of his area as the venue for the 24th commemoration of the International Day of Children's Rights, saying it would create awareness and promote the protection of children's rights.



The head of Vision Nouvelle, Denise Kouadio, said the occasion was an opportunity to draw the attention of the population to guard against serious violations of children's rights such as early and forced marriages, female circumcision and failure to register child birth.

The regional director of the Ministry of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children, Gonty Michel, outlined all the measures taken by the Ivorian Government to promote the welfare of children.



Speaking on behalf of children, Yao Anne-Marie of Niable II primary school appealed to parents and the authorities to protect and respect children's rights in the region.



The sub Prefect of Niable, Kouame Yao, expressed the wish that children's rights would become a reality in the area.



The celebration was marked by the performance of dramatic sketches, recital of poems and a procession of children across the town