As part of its support to the National Commission for Human Rights, the Human Rights Division of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on 27 and 29 May 2015 in Man, in western Côte d'Ivoire, organised a capacity-building workshop for members of regional human rights commissions of Man and Duekoué on the theme : « Monitoring techniques and reporting writing on human rights violations ». »



Some 16 members of the two local commissions originating from NGOs and associations defending human rights were trained on the mechanisms for the protection of women and children, the rights of persones deprived of their civil liberties, investigation and report writing techniques, as well as managing the spread of rumours, monitoring conflict and human rights violations in an electoral context.



In his address at the opening ceremony, the secretary-general of Man prefecture, Victor Niangbi Dibi, welcomed the advent of the local human rights commissions in the West. He said there was a need for the capacity building training because : « This support comes at a time when we are aware that in this part of Côte d'ivoire, there are all kinds of abuses, restrictions on freedom, confiscation of people's properties, injustice that certain people have to endured, which are clearly violations of fundamental human rights ».



During three days, members of the local human rights commission, most of which were established in 2015, followed their training with keen interest, aware of the fact that they still had difficulties in carrying out their missions. The different presentations and modules, as well as the discussions provided opportunities to highlight the values and principles of human rights in accordance with international norms. The impact of rumour on society and the need to have a scientific and rational approach in the resolution of conflicts were also discussed during the workshop.



At the end of the workshop, participants recommended as essential the strengthening the operational capacity of local commission by organising a training programme in this regard, providing them with transportation means, office materials and national and international human rights documents.



Representatives of UNOCI's Public Information Office and Civil Affairs Section and the Legal Clinic in Man actively participated in the discussions while recalling the need to give priority to the creation of a peaceful environment by promoting human rights.