The innovative movement of the AU to end violence against women and girls praised

The Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities has acclaimed the adoption of the African Union Convention to end violence against women and girls.

The adoption took place during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, over the weekend.

The African Union Convention to end violence against women and girls (AU-CEVAWG) is a legal instrument to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in Africa.

The development of the African Union Convention on the end of violence against women and girls was informed by the historical decision of the UA State Chiefs in February 2023 during the African Union Summit.

During the Convention, leaders reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to eliminate all forms of violence that have silenced, oppressed and harmed to women and girls throughout the continent.

With the support of the Member States, including South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Comoros and Ghana, multi -stake part consultations were held with traditional and religious leaders, young people, women’s leaders, the private sector, academy and civil society organizations throughout the continent.

The Convention is fully informed by the voices of African citizens, with the objectives of:
• Obligations of state parties towards the elimination of violence against women and girls and guaranteeing timely access to response mechanisms, including justice and appropriate remedies for victims, while holding perpetrators responsible;
• African -based strategies to end violence against women and girls, taking into account the importance of family, cultural and religious communities and institutions in the elimination of violence and support for victims;
• Obligations, leadership and innovation of states in the context of evolutionary nature of violence against women and girls.

The department emphasized that violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights and a fundamental violation of their freedom. He also stressed that such violence is deeply rooted in historical and traditional relations between men and women.

“(When implementing the Convention), a human rights -based approach will be adopted, aligned with international, continental and regional human rights standards, in full alignment with international, continental and regional human rights standards.

“A victim -focused approach will be prioritized to guarantee access to justice, preventive and protective support and comprehensive medical, legal, educational and other care services,” said the department in a statement on Monday. – Sanows.gov.za