Flash info

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

Campaign

From Peace in the Home to Peace

in the World: Let us put an end to
Sexual and Gender Based Violence

Celebrations for the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women and
Children (16 Days of Activism) began with a successful opening ceremony on the
25th of November in Umkulu Refugee Camp, Massawa.
In deference to the 2014 theme of
Peace in the Home to Peace in the
World, the UNHCR team, in
collaboration with the Office of
Refugee Affairs (ORA) and the
refugee
community,
organized
different activities aimed at involving
the community in order to enhance
awareness of SGBV and its various
themes as well as pertinent issues
affecting
the
Somali
Refugee
Community.
The ceremony commenced with a symbolic march under the 16 Days of Activism
banner from the camp gate to the health clinic and camp coordinators office.

The march was followed by songs prepared by the Somali children, whose
innocence was in stark contrast to the serious content of the songs. In particular the
young people from the camp have participated with much willingness to prepare
dramas and songs.
Both performances were well received by all in attendance, and all were impressed
with the childrens efforts and maturity in dealing with the subject at hand.
Many people of import gave speeches at the ceremony, one of whom was the
Sheikh of the Somali community who delivered a powerful message laying bare the
erroneous link between religion and inhumane traditional practices against women
and children.

Other speakers at the event included Ms. Bernadette Muteshi , UNHCR Protection
Officer, who summarized the global significance of the event and whose speech
urged the community to participate throughout the 16 Days of Activism, and Lt. Col.
Rezene Tecle, the Head of Office of Refugee Affairs, who underlined the position of
the GoSE on SGBV. Lastly, the Umkulu Camp Coordinator offered the closing
remarks and distributed symbolic white ribbons for all to wear, showing the solidarity
of all who attended the event.
All the events during the 16 Days of Activism were organized to target the whole community
from pre-scholars to the traditional and religious leaders.

The activities included were a drawing competitions for the children of the refugee
camp; focus group discussions with men and women largely participated from the
community, storytelling, and debates aimed at challenging the societal acceptance of
FGM, early marriage, and other harmful traditional practices.

The community showed great interest in the ceremony and responded positively to
the subjects addressed in the various activities. Thanks to this positive response,
UNHCR, in collaboration with ORA, will continue to pursue its mandate to create
secure, protected environments for refugees and to mitigate the risk of sexual
violence against all.
Overall, the campaign was a success and helped move towards UNHCRs goal of
educating people against inhumane practices against girls and women. The following
year will be a testament to the efficacy of this years 16 Days of Activism.

UNHCR works with the State of Eritrea to protect refugees

while seeking durable solutions to end their displacement

UNHCR Office in Eritrea

Campo Polo Area, Meteten St. 1A754
House no.35, P.O.Box 1995,
Asmara, Eritrea

Monica Modici,
Communications Specialist
modici@unhcr.org