UN office condemns GBV

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday August 28, 2018 14:33

 

This is follows the recent incident in which a woman was brutally killed and beheaded in Tlokweng, which is among numerous other incidents of rape and murder that have taken place across the country.

In a press statement from the Office of UN Resident Coordinator, the UN said that although the Botswana government has taken measures to develop laws, policies and programmes to respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it remains one of the most prevalent human-rights violations in the country.

The UN indicated that there has been an increase of violent incidents against women and children in public and private spheres.

'Women and girls continue to experience domestic violence, brutal murder, rape and unwanted sexual remarks (and advances), ridicule, harassment, and assault in public.  The UN in solidarity with the Botswana government joins key stakeholders and society at large to condemn Gender-Based Violence (GBV), especially the increasing incidences of violence against women. 

'The UN strongly condemns the recent incidence of violence against a young woman who was killed and beheaded in Tlokweng, amongst other brutal murders that have been taking place across the country lately. This culture of violence must never be condoned,' read the statement.

The UN stated that violence against women harms families and communities across generations and reinforces other forms of violence prevalent in society and also carries tremendous costs, from greater health care, legal expenses and losses in productivity, impacting national budgets and overall development.

Meanwhile, the UN in Botswana has urged all stakeholders to strengthen efforts towards the prevention of violence in all spheres of society and has called on the perpetrators to be effectively prosecuted for their crimes. It also said that government and stakeholders should strengthen provision of comprehensive services for survivors of violence in order to support their recovery.

'We urge all stakeholders to strengthen the protection of women and children through the law and other policies. Effective prosecution of perpetrators is an important deterrent that must be reinforced. The need to strengthen prevention of GBV cannot be over-emphasised. This requires new and innovative measures including male involvement. With courage, men can challenge the deeply rooted inequalities and social norms that perpetuate men's control and power over women that reinforce violence against women and children.'

It further stated that the UN will also strive towards the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality: Target 5.2, to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation, and Target 5.3, to eliminate all harmful practices, such as child early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation through the UN Joint Gender Programme on Gender-Based Violence (2018-2020), signed on July 10, 2018 with the Botswana government.