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UN calls for end to violence against women in Somalia

Storyline:National News

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the UN in Somalia today called for the strengthening of legal and social measures to protect survivors of such violence, especially women and children.

“The human rights of survivors of sexual violence in conflict need to be protected, and for this to happen it is necessary to strengthen the legal and social protection system in Somalia, especially for women and children. ”Said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan.

“I also urge Somali institutions and officials to ensure that resources to support survivors of sexual violence related to the conflict include economic opportunities. Through financial empowerment, survivors will be able to benefit themselves and their families, and eliminate the stigma attached to such violence, ”said Md. Swan.

To this end, UN efforts in Somalia in the field of sexual violence during the conflict include the establishment of specialized centers that provide full support to women previously associated with al-Shabaab, where they have been given initial counseling. and psychosocial support, women undergoing vocational training with the aim of increasing their chances of becoming financially self-sufficient for themselves and their families.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2015 on June 19 each year the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The commemoration aims to raise awareness of the need to end sexual violence, honor victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and pay tribute to all those who have bravely sacrificed their lives. and lost their lives to stand up for these crimes.