The United Nations (UN) has called for support for survivors and victims of the atrocities committed in Somalia, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
“Somali society deserves support for survivors and victims of the atrocities committed against women,” the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said in a statement from the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
“For Somalia to build a society free from the stigma and trauma of sexual violence, we must all work together to prevent and respond to sexual violence,” he added, calling on Somali authorities to continue and strengthen efforts to combat perpetrators of such acts.
James Swan called on the Government and regional leaders to provide meaningful support to survivors, their families, and the communities they come from.
In line with this year’s theme of “The Transnational Impact of Sexually Transmitted Conflict,” the UN Mission in Somalia said it is working with stakeholders to highlight how sexual violence causes long-term harm, not only to individuals but also to society at large, often leaving families and communities to struggle with its devastating effects across generations.
The International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence is observed annually on June 19, and it highlights the shared responsibility of the international community to prevent and end gender-based violence and to protect the dignity and rights of all human beings.
