Greetings of peace and blessing from URI-Africa. This is to inform you that URI-Africa participated at Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a conference to end violence against women and girls in Africa.
As you know, violence against women is perhaps the most widespread and socially-tolerated of human rights violations, cutting across borders, race, class, ethnicity and religion. Violence against women is an extreme manifestation of pervasive discrimination against women and girls. It occurs in all countries at all stages of development, and threatens the rights, health and well-being of women.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected in situations of conflict and other emergency situations, where they face high risks of sexual violence.
The prevention and reduction of gender-based violence requires strong global, continental and national commitments and instruments, together with effective leadership, to build the resources and capacity of service providers and the community at the local level.
The national commitment to eliminate violence against women and girls can be realized when all members of the society, including faith-based organizations, religious and traditional leaders, the government, community based organizations, family members and individuals, take leadership. The commitment can be realized when they accept responsibility to work together to create a society that does not condone violence, and works publicly and directly to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.
Taking this fact in mind, URI-Africa calls for the end of sexual violence against women and girls and expresses its strong commitment to work in partnership with the United Nations Women office and all other relevant government aspects, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and religious and traditional leaders in Africa to address this critical issue.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
In peace and gratitude,
Mussie Hailu
