Port-au-Prince, November 25 (EFE). – The government of Hatí and various feminist organizations launched the “16 days against gender-based violence” campaign this Saturday, as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
This initiative, designed as a massive international campaign to combat violence against women and girls, was presented by the Haitian Ministry of the Status and Rights of Women in collaboration with feminist organizations.
From now until December 10, these organizations have planned a number of activities, including a feminist vigil against femicide.
Likewise, they will launch new programs for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, training workshops, as well as open days and awareness-raising activities in communities and social networks.
“Our commitment does not end after these 16 days. Every day we support women and girls and work tirelessly for a safer and more equal world,” said the Center for Peasant Animation and Community Action (CAPAC) in announcing the campaign in a march organized today in Trou du Nord, a region northeast of the Capital city.
“United! Invested to prevent violence against women and girls”, “You are victims of violence, do not be silent”, “Let us fight against violence against women and girls”, “Let us fight together against all forms of violence.” Read the Banners carried by women and girls.
According to official data, 15,411 cases of sexual and physical violence were registered in Haiti between January and September 2022 (81% of women and girls, 11% of men and 8% of boys).
According to a Haitian government report, there were 2,399 cases of sexual and physical violence in the country between January and March 2023.
A UN study from last October shows that no fewer than 220 cases of rape were reported in the second half of 2022.
In the first half of 2023, this number increased to 303 (153 women, 149 minors and 1 child), an increase of 37.7%, this UN report says.
In its analysis, the United Nations regrets that “crimes related to sexual and gender-based violence are far from fully reported due to stigmatization, fear of reprisal and limited access to essential services,” making it very difficult “to obtain accurate data “. in case of violations.
Solidarity of Haitian Women (SOFA), the country’s largest women’s organization, denounced this Saturday the “qualification” of survivors of physical and sexual violence to obtain a medical certificate.
“The Haitian feminist movement knows how important this document is. “That is why we have been mobilizing tirelessly for ten years, making representations to parliamentarians, prime ministers and ministers and other state authorities, culminating in the signing of a protocol,” SOFA said. in a document.
In the communication published on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the NGO emphasizes the importance of medical certification for female victims of physical and sexual violence.
“It is a forensic document. “The judge often uses the medical certificate to determine what punishment should be imposed on the perpetrator,” says the organization, criticizing the fact that doctors charge a fee for this paper, “which should be free.” EFE
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