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UNHCR marks 16 Days of Activism against Sexual Violence
http://www.unhcr.org/50b36da39.html
GENEVA, November 26 (UNHCR) –UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres has reiterated his agency's commitment to countering sexual and gender-based violence and said UNHCR had this year intensified its efforts to improve access to justice for survivors.
"Despite increased awareness of SGBV [sexual and gender-based violence] and efforts to combat it, an alarming number of women continue to face this horrific violation of their rights largely due to the gender inequalities that persist around the world," Guterres said in a message to mark the start yesterday of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
...
The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. The theme this year is, "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let's Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!" The 16 Days of Activism will run through to International Human Rights Day on December 10. It brings together UNHCR, partners, persons of concern and host communities worldwide in a united call to end sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms. UNHCR will also be highlighting the work of the White Ribbon Campaign, an initiative begun by men to encourage their male peers to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. People are invited to wear a white ribbon, signifying this pledge.
GENEVA, November 26 (UNHCR) –UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres has reiterated his agency's commitment to countering sexual and gender-based violence and said UNHCR had this year intensified its efforts to improve access to justice for survivors.
"Despite increased awareness of SGBV [sexual and gender-based violence] and efforts to combat it, an alarming number of women continue to face this horrific violation of their rights largely due to the gender inequalities that persist around the world," Guterres said in a message to mark the start yesterday of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
...
The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. The theme this year is, "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let's Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!" The 16 Days of Activism will run through to International Human Rights Day on December 10. It brings together UNHCR, partners, persons of concern and host communities worldwide in a united call to end sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms. UNHCR will also be highlighting the work of the White Ribbon Campaign, an initiative begun by men to encourage their male peers to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. People are invited to wear a white ribbon, signifying this pledge.
May the 21st year be the charm, and people begin taking this issue seriously instead of simply accepting the prevalence of sexual violence as an inescapable fact of life.
We have to focus on perpetrators, and end rape culture.
