Côte d’Ivoire / UNOCI trains media on human rights and gender-based violence
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, March 25, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Regional Human Rights Office of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) in Yamoussoukro and the NGO, International Rescue Committee (IRC), are organizing a training workshop for media representatives based in the city on 23 and 24 March 2010. The training revolves around the theme: “Human Rights, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Election”.
On Tuesday, 20 participants listened to a presentation by Mr. Bakayoko Abdouramane from UNOCI’s Human Rights Division on the principles and norms of the United Nations with regard to human rights and the various kinds of GBV and their consequences. The presentation was followed by a discussion.
According to Mr. Bakayoko, gender-based violence is a serious concern to the UN. This is why, he said, “It is now recognized as a crime against humanity”. He added that the pre-electoral period was very sensitive and what the journalists write and the messages they convey can contribute to establish peace or instigate violence. “It is therefore good to meet and discuss human rights violations which can occur during an electoral period,” he said.
In order to better tackle gender-based violence, Mireille Kobenan, manager of GBV programme in the IRC, stressed that all of those who read newspapers or listen to the radio, should be informed on how cases of violence are handled. “For instance, the population should know that in the event of rape, the victim should immediately go to the nearest health centre, within the 72 hours following the incident,” Mrs. Kobenan explained.
Afterwards the participants were informed of UNOCI’s contributions to establish a peaceful electoral environment.
SOURCE
Mission of UN in Côte d’Ivoire
