Secretary General ofthe United Nations Ben Ki-Moon addressedthe world through a video released on You-tube onthe Elimination of Violence against Womenand Girls day.
Traditionally, every 25th Novermber marksthe beginning of 16 Day of Activism to End Violence Against Womenand Girls from Novermber 25th until December 10th – Human Rights Day
Ben Ki-Moon said violence against women and girls directly affects individuals while harming our common humanity.
His 2008 Unite to End Violence against Womencampaign has brought partners from aroundthe world to protect human rights of women and girls.
He said he welcomesthe chorus of voices calling for an end tothe violence that affects an estimated one in three women globally.
“I pay tribute to all of those many heroes who championed this course,the men and women in all parts ofthe world to say No to Violence and Yes to Human Rights,” said Ben Ki-Moon.
This year,the colour orange was worn to symbolize commitment to this cause.
Ben Ki-Moon saidtheInternational Dayto End Violence against Womenis an opportunity for all people to recommit to preventing and halting all forms of violence against women and girls.
On 18 September this yearthPNG Government passedthe Family Protection Bell 2013 with a landslide 65-0 vote.
The unanimous support for the bill signiflied strong political will to reducethe high rates of violence against women inthe country.
The Family Protection Act:
- criminalizes domestic violence and gives legislative backing for interim protection orders
- allows neighbors, relatives and children to report domestic violence
- gives policethe power to remover perpetrators fromtheir homes to protectthe victim.
Penalties for breach ofthe Act include fines of up to K5, 000 and 2 years in prison
https://youtube.com/watch?v=GDdlxTj_8k4%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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