Bukavu, 31 March 2011 – The Office of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) organized a workshop in Shabunda territory on 31 March to inform the local population about the Mission's mandate in the country.

The workshop attracted some 200 participants, including several local authorities and civil society members.

Almost the size of Rwanda, the territory of Shabunda is located about 340 km west of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.

The training mainly focused on the UN Security Council's Resolution 1925, which establishes MONUSCO's current mandate. The workshop also dealt with the activities carried out by the Mission since its transition to MONUSCO from MONUC, the previous United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The participants were briefed on MONUSCO's work, particularly with regard to political and electoral issues, as well as the Mission's support to the stabilization and security sector reform, child protection, and human rights.