Launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign: Burundi warns corrupt administrative and judicial authorities who push for out of court settlements in violence against women and girls cases
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In Burundi, the launching ceremonies of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign took place in Muyinga, in the north of the country under the patronage of HE Prosper Bazombanza, Vice President of the Republic of Burundi. The day was attended by thousands of men, women, girls including staff from the United Nations. The minister in charge of gender took the opportunity to recount the history of this campaign and its objectives.
She insisted that the change of mentality in favor of women's rights and empowerment starts at a younger age and called on parents and educators to effectively play their role.
Vice President Prosper Bazombanza took the occasion to call on the population to denounce perpetrators of violence against women and girls and to warn corrupt administrative and judicial authorities, who always try to settle cases of violence against women and girls out of court. ‘’Cases of violence against women and girls are penal,’’ he insisted, before urging magistrates to speed up trials related to VAW and on the different ministries to implement the law on Gender-Based Violence. ‘’We are servants of the people and not the other way around,'' he said.
He praised support from the United Nations system to the government of Burundi, especially through the Ministry of Social Affairs, National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender.
On behalf of the entire United Nations System in Burundi, Damien Mama, Resident Coordinator, reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to continue working with the government of Burundi to create a protective environment and to provide legal, psychosocial, and material assistance to the victims of this violence.
The launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign also served as an opportunity to award certificates of recognition to individuals who have distinguished themselves by their bravery in preventing violence against women and girls, and in defending and protecting victims.