In an effort to strengthen social cohesion and sensitise people on its mandate, the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Friday, 13 September 2013, organised an information and sensitisation session with the people of Kodjinan, a village in the sous-préfecture of Abengourou, situated 198 km east of Abidjan.



The coordinator of UNOCI's Office in Abengourou who led the UN delegation welcomed the massive turnout before presenting the Mission's mandate with special focus on issues pertaining to the rule of law. "{The different judicial and penitentiary institutions are in place and they are working for you, so you need to refer to them to resolve any legal issues}," he said.



The representative of the Mission's Child Protection Section, for his part, called on participants to respect children's rights and to protect them from violations of those rights. He also urged people to avoid resolving any violations of those rights or violence against children without reference to the legal system.



The UNOCI delegation also invited the people of Kodjinan to become involved in the peace process and the promotion of social cohesion and receonciliation.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the chief of Kodjinan, Korandji Adou, welcomed the rich exchanges between the people and UNOCI, adding that the complete restoration of peace in Côte d'Ivoire was now a possibility, especially thanks to the actions of the UN Mission. On behalf of his villagers, he thanked the delegation for the information it had provided to the community and for its advocacy. He also took the opportunity to urge Ivorian authorities to provide more schools for children and potable water in the village.