Some 100 representatives of traditional authorities, youth and women's associations on Wednesday, 18 September 2013, took part in a sensitization campaign organised in Yakpabo-Sakassou Sub Prefecture in Tiebissou division by the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI).



The campaign focused on respect for human rights, the fight against gender-based violence, strengthening social cohesion and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.



The representative of UNOCI's Human Rights Division stressed on the need to promote human rights in the region, while the regional director of the Ivorian Ministry of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children, Felicite Koutouan, made a presentation on the different forms of violence against women. "{Failure to educate one's child, failure to educate the girl child, pregnancy in the school environment - all constitute gender-based violence}," she declared.



She called on the village chiefs to promote social cohesion among members of their various communities. Speaking about the frequent cases of rape in the area, the director of Social Affairs urged people to report all cases to the authorities and to follow the prescribed procedure in reporting such cases.

UNOCI's Public Information representative spoke of the need to resort to dialogue in cases of conflict and also pointed out the dangers of rumours.



The chief of Adriko village, Nanan Nguessan Amoin, speaking on behalf of his people, requested the Ivorian government to make available a mobile telephone antenna in the village, and provide medicines and health equipment for local clinics.