English
Kinyarwanda
The Minister of Justice, Johnston Busingye, has said that the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) is as “fight for good governance, development, human rights and dignity,” which concerns everyone.
The Minister was speaking on November 29 while presiding over the official closure of the first ever Africa Convention of Women in Security Organs, in which the delegates renewed commitment in the protection and promotion of the rights of women and girls.
About 250 delegates from 38 countries took part in the convention held under the theme: “Women’s impact in security: Rethinking Strategy.”
“GBV network goes beyond our borders and it is linked to money laundering, trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation, human smuggling, drug trafficking and other cross-border illicit activities,” Minister, who also doubles as Rwanda’s Attorney General, said.
“I am convinced that this convention has been fruitful and successful… putting the right theory on paper is hard itself; implementation is not only crucial but harder and requires total commitment.”
The meeting, he said, shouldn’t be in vain and urged them to “continue to make visible impact in ending violence against women and girls.”
Commitment
Meanwhile, the convention adopted 14 recommendations that commit all member states of the Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD), make the fight against gender based violence among their priorities.
It was agreed that the Isange One Stop Centre model be replicated among member countries to provide holistic services to end violence against women and girls.
Other recommendations include embracing and effectively using modern technology in prevention and management of VWAG cases; and identifying and supporting KICD member states that are ravaged with gender based violence; advocate for more participation of women in peace and security processes; and also member states to support the running of the Regional Centre of Excellence including providing staff.
