UN tasks security agencies to enforce laws protecting women, children

Mr Bernard Coquelin, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s Representative to Ghana, on Monday called on the security agencies to enforce rule of law and legalities that protect and promote the rights of women and children.

The UNFDP Representative to Ghana, who made the call in an address read on his behalf at a two-day workshop organised by the Fund for security personnel at Elmina in the Central Region,  asked security personnel to bring to justice those who had violated such rights.

Issues   to be discussed include Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Health, Psycho-social, Safety Security and Legal justice in the Regions.

Mr Coquelin observed that awareness creation, behavioural change and effective communication were crucial to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

“We must take action to prevent and punish all forms of sexual and gender based violence in the country,” he said.

Mr Coquelin expressed gratitude to the Domestic Violence and Victim Unit of the Ghana Police Service, UNHCR, Ghana Health Service, National Disaster Management Organisation and communities for assisting in developing strategies to eliminate violence against women and to promote women empowerment, men involvement, gender equality and reproductive health and rights.

Ms Bridget Asiamah, National Programme Analyst of UNFPA, advised security personnel to develop an appropriate response to sexual violence and understand the possible consequences of sexual violence.

She said there was the need to engage men to promote cultural practices and attitudes that would encourage gender equality as well as to condemn activities that perpetuated violence against women.

Source: GNA