International Conference on the Great Lakes Region: Paper on SGBV in the Great Lakes Region
Ministers responsible for Gender in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Member States have validated a report on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the Great Lakes Region. That was in a meeting held at the Arusha International Conference Centre on 4th November 2011 where they had to consider a report by experts who discussed on the issue from 1 to 2 November.
The Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Mohammed Gharib Bilal, who opened the meeting, stressed that “though women's concerns on sexual and gender based violence have been given special attention through the protocol on the prevention and suppression of violence against women and children, its perpetuation remains a serious concern for women's security in the Region”.
“It is now five years since the Secretariat was set up and we have steadily seen the elaboration and signature of relevant instruments to address the enduring problem of SGBV; we are now at an important step where we have to translate will into reality” pointed out on her part Ms.Rose Rwabuhihi who represented the UNWOMEN, at the meeting. She stressed that the region must move from the epicentre of SGBV to the model of sustainable and successful measures to protect women and girls and communities at large as recommended in the different instruments. “The pact (on Security, stability and development) will not be achieved unless women and girls of the region can enjoy life free of violence”. The Ministers validated and edited a number of recommendations that were made by the experts and will be submitted to the forthcoming Special Session of Heads of State.
The International Conference on the Great lakes Region Executive Secretary, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula expressed gratitude to the government of Tanzania which agreed to host the meeting.