The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for stronger legal protections, improved support services and sustainable development progr...
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for stronger legal protections, improved support services and sustainable development programmes to address gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls in conflict-affected countries, including South Sudan.In remarks delivered at a side event titled “Sharing Experiences in Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Women and Girls in Crisis in DRC and South Sudan” on Sept. 24, 2019, UNDP Associate Administrator Mourad Wahba said conflict and humanitarian crises increase the vulnerability of women and children.Wahba said gender-based violence remains widespread in crisis situations and requires a coordinated, long-term response that connects humanitarian assistance with development efforts.He said violence, inequality and social exclusion continue to undermine efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly for women, young people and marginalized communities.Wahba also cited progress in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where One-Stop Health Centres have improved access to comprehensive care for survivors of gender-based violence in South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri provinces.He said efforts to strengthen the capacity of community leaders and legal institutions had contributed to improved access to justice, with prosecution rates for gender-based violence cases increasing from 46.6% in 2016 to 88.7% in 2018.He emphasized that a human rights-based approach remains central to addressing gender-based violence and ensuring that vulnerable groups can participate in decisions affecting their lives.Wahba reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to working with governments, UN agencies, including UNFPA, and other partners to strengthen protection mechanisms and deliver sustainable solutions for women and girls affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.Credit Photo & Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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