Addis Ababa: A coalition of African civil society organizations and human rights defenders has strongly urged African Union (AU) member states to swiftly adopt and ratify the AU Convention on ending violence against Women and Girls.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the coalition, which includes women’s rights advocates and human rights defenders from various AU member countries, called on the heads of state and government to ratify the African Union declaration on the elimination of violence against women and girls.
In a meeting held just before the 38th Summit of Heads of State in Addis Ababa, leaders of the civil society organizations emphasized the need for the African Union to demonstrate its commitment to ending violence against women and girls. They called for the AU to consider the perspectives of affected individuals, advocate for victim compensation, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Thelma Awori, Founding Director of the Institute for Social Transformation, underscored the importance of reparations for historical injustices, such as slavery and discrimination, noting the disproportionate impact of these issues on women and girls. She stressed that sexual exploitation, harassment, and violence must be prioritized on the African Union’s agenda.
The coalition affirmed that the convention aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls seeks to establish a comprehensive legislative framework. This framework would address protection, prevention, and access to justice, while also recognizing the importance of positive masculinity and community involvement in combating violence.
The organizations also emphasized the need for the decolonization of the African education system to empower individuals and ensure compensation for unpaid care work. They expressed support for the African Union’s call for justice and reparations for African peoples and those of African descent.
Youth involvement was highlighted as essential to the process, with the organizations stating that waiting for the adoption of legal frameworks and policies addressing violence against women and girls is no longer an option. Although the African Union has mechanisms in place for conflict prevention and early response, the coalition stressed that adequate funding is critical to address these issues.
They argued that silencing the gun in Africa requires investment in prevention, early conflict warning, and addressing climate, economic, and political crises. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of arms control, noting that the ‘Silencing the Guns’ campaign aims to reduce gun violence.
In conclusion, the organizations stressed that empowering women and girls through education is crucial in ending gender-based violence. They urged the AU to adopt the convention, implement monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and commit to swift ratification and action.