The people of Allakro in the Sub Prefecture of Noe, 170 km from Abidjan, now have a social welfare centre donated by the United Nations Operation in CÙte díIvoire (UNOCI).



It was inaugurated on Thursday 12 December by head of UNOCI's Civil affairs, Margarethe Matic in the presence of a high-level delegation of the UN Mission, local administrative, political, religious and traditional authorities.



The donation illustrates the importance UNOCI gives to human rights and the welfare of the Ivorian people and children who are the beneficiaries of the centre, Mrs. Matic said. She called on the people to make good use of the centre and reaffirmed UNOCIís commitment to assist the Ivorian authorities in the establishment of a peaceful environment that would facilitate work and development.



On behalf of the community, Patrice Komenan expressed gratitude for the construction of the centre by UNOCI and said it was symbol of the friendship and peace which UNOCI represents in CÙte d'Ivoire.



The representative of the Minister of Employment, Social Affairs and Professional Training, Bagate Boulou said the centre which will be used by social workers was the first of its kind in CÙte díIvoire and underlines the importance the UN Mission places on human rights and the welfare of children.



For his part, the Prefect of the division of Tiapoum, Kasoum Coulibaly thanked the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the entire UNOCI staff for ìproviding, through this project, adequate conditions for the wellbeing and protection of children to the mothers of Allakro and neighbouring villages.