Cote d’Ivoire / Security remains a priority for UNOCI, Deputy Spokesman stressed
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, September 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Summary of UNOCI weekly press conference
The security situation and the issue of human rights are extremely important and form part of the priorities of the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), UNOCI Deputy Spokesman, Kenneth Blackman reiterated on Thursday 29 September in Abidjan at the mission’s weekly press.
Responding to a question on human rights, Mr. Blackman said human rights abuses have continued to be noticed here and there but indicated that the UN mission, through its Human Rights Office, maintains close contacts with the Ivorian government in order to alert the competent authorities and provide them with information in that area.
On the security situation in the West, the Deputy spokesman recalled the action of UNOCI Force in the field. “There have been no major changes since last week; our military forces whose number has been increased in the West, have continued their patrols in collaboration with the UN Force in Liberia,” he reminded the conference.
Mr. Blackman disclosed that in a bid to better assist the Ivorian government in the fight against insecurity, various training sessions have been organised for the benefit of the Ivorian Police Force and Gendarmerie. He said two sessions were organised between 26 and 27 September for 1356 policemen and sub officers in Abidjan and Agnibilekro to sensitise them on human rights and the role of the police in an election period.
“The mission equally organised a training of trainers course on close protection of top personalities for 15 policemen of the Special Brigade for Protection between 26 and 390 September at the National Police College. Similar training sessions are in the pipeline,” Mr. Blackman announced.
On the promotion of peace, the deputy spokesman announced the continuation of sensitization activities organised by UNOCI for the promotion of a peaceful electoral environment among the population and civil society in several divisions of the country.
Earlier, Mr. Blackman made a rundown of the activities of the Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Cote d’Ivoire, Arnauld Akodjenou especially his contacts with Ivorian political actors, senior government officials, members of civil society and the diplomatic corps.
SOURCE
Mission of UN in Côte d’Ivoire
