Our Videos

February 15, 10

NEWS / Sierra Leone: UN agency hopes to increase media spotlight on sexual violence


12 February 2010 – With not a single conviction resulting from the thousands of sexual violence cases reported last year in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hoping the media can be a power ally in spotlighting how these offences go unpunished in the West African nation.
Currently, journalists treat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a social or cultural issue, rather than a criminal and human rights matter, participants heard at a recent two-day training and workshop that UNDP held earlier this week in the capital, Freetown.

“By the end of her lifespan, nearly all Sierra Leonean women will suffer some form of sexual or gender-based violence,” said Samuel Harbor, UNDP Deputy Country Director.
By the end of her lifespan, nearly all Sierra Leonean women will suffer some form of sexual or gender-based violence
Inequalities between men and women are among the worst in the world, with the country ranking 180th out of 182 countries for overall human development last year, he pointed out.

Although SGBV is considered a punishable offence in Sierra Leone, latest figures show that out of nearly 1,000 sexual abuse and over 1,500 domestic violence cases reported in 2009, there were no convictions.

More than 40 media professionals from across the country took part in the UNDP event, which sought to facilitate SGBV reporting and help journalists take part in national efforts to prevent and respond to the scourge.

“The media can play a pivotal role to help reduce impunity for SGBV offences by reporting SBGV cases with the consistency and professionalism that provides deterrence to would-be perpetrators while re-enforcing confidence in the justice system to victims and the society at large,” Mr. Harbor said.

UNDP noted that this form of violence thwarts Sierra Leone’s economic and social development.

Addressing the workshop, Soccoh Kabia, Minister for Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, underscored that SBGV “has a profound impact on the dignity, psychological impact and a violation of a person’s human rights.”

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33758&Cr=sierra+leone&Cr1=

 




Testimonials

John Beacleay

Just wanted to say thanks again for all your help Anton. I mean it's really amazing to me that yo...
Read More »
Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »




FAQ

Will I need to be fingerprinted?
Read More »
Q. I filed after April 15 and the payment date for my Social Security number has passed. How long will it take for me to get my stimulus payment?
Read More »
When does the Local Boater option go into effect?
Read More »
Q: What about military and other U.S. government employees stationed abroad?
Read More »






News

September 16, 25
Wisconsin bill may allow adoptees to access original birth certificates
Read More »
September 8, 25
Amended death certificate of MA State Police Academy recruit reveals he died from head injury
Read More »
September 5, 25
78-year-old Florida woman finally gets birth certificate after lifelong wait
Read More »
September 3, 25
US Congress considers legislation to expedite VA death certificates
Read More »