Call to Action: Executive Director pledges UN Women commitment to protect women and girls in emergencies Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka pledged the strong commitment of UN Women to protect women and girls in emergencies at an international meeting on 13 November in London. At the Call to Action event, “Keep Her Safe”, organized by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), she pledged that UN Women would work with partners to ensure that women’s rights and needs are … [Read more...]
Syria’s Unseen Crisis: Women Face Rape, Insecurity, Poverty
March 11, 2013 by
Syria's Unseen Crisis: Displaced Women Face Rape, Insecurity, Poverty In the past week, the Syrian refugee crisis has grabbed headlines around the world as the number of Syrians who have had to seek asylum abroad reached one million. But there is another, less-discussed displacement crisis unfolding inside Syria. Syria’s internally displaced population passed the two million-mark months ago – by some estimates, there are more than three million Syrians uprooted within their country, most … [Read more...]
Justice for victims of war-time sexual violence
December 11, 2012 by
December 2012 – A United Nations senior official and an independent human rights expert today joined their voices in calling for States to ensure the right to truth and justice for victims of war-time sexual violence, as well as accountability for perpetrators. “Truth, justice and accountability are key in upholding the human rights of women and their right to a life free from violence, particularly in countries in post-conflict situations,” the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, … [Read more...]
BOGOTA – Margot Wallström hears stories of sexual violence
May 22, 2012 by
Margot Wallström hears stories from survivors of sexual violence in an IDP community, 100 km from Bogota, Colombia. UN Photo/R. Riveros Colombia must increase its efforts to fight impunity for crimes of sexual violence, a United Nations envoy said today, adding that such efforts should be paired with assistance to survivors and victims.“I understand that the country as a whole wants to look to the future, instead of dwelling on the past, but there can be no lasting peace without security … [Read more...]
DR Congo: UN envoy concerned about possible sexual violence
May 9, 2012 by
“immediately cease all forms of violence, including sexual violence, and human rights abuses against the civilian population…, lay down their arms and demobilize,” A top United Nations official has voiced her concern about the latest wave of fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in areas that have previously witnessed sexual violence committed against civilians by members of armed groups. “I call on all parties to immediately refrain from any acts of … [Read more...]
'City of Joy' assists and empowers survivors of sexual violence in DR Congo
February 14, 2011 by
UNICEF: 'City of Joy' assists and empowers survivors of sexual violence in DR Congo By Cornelia Walther BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 9 February 2011 – Under a blue sky, the air is filled with women’s laughter and songs. It is the perfect setting for the opening of ‘City of Joy,’ a joint project of UNICEF and the non-governmental organization V-Day, providing a safe haven for survivors of sexual violence. City of Joy will serve 180 women between the ages of 14 and … [Read more...]
