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Flash info16 Days of Activism Against Gender ViolenceCampaign

F r o m P e a c e i n t h e H o m e t o P e a c ei n t h e W o r l d : L e t u s p u t a n e n d t oS e x u a l a n d G e n d e r B a s e d V i o l e n c e

Celebrations for the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women andChildren (16 Days of Activism) began with a successful opening ceremony on the25th of November in Umkulu Refugee Camp, Massawa.

In deference to the 2014 theme ofPeace in the Home to Peace in theWorld, the UNHCR team, incollaboration with the Office ofRefugee Affairs (ORA) and therefugee community, organizeddifferent activities aimed at involvingthe community in order to enhanceawareness of SGBV and its various

themes as well as pertinent issuesaffecting the Somali RefugeeCommunity.

The ceremony commenced with a symbolic march under the 16 Days of Activismbanner from the camp gate to the health clinic and camp coordinators office.

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The march was followed by songs prepared by the Somali children, whoseinnocence was in stark contrast to the serious content of the songs. In particular theyoung people from the camp have participated with much willingness to preparedramas and songs.

Both performances were well received by all in attendance, and all were impressedwith the childrens efforts and maturity in dealing with the subject at hand.

Many people of import gave speeches at the ceremony, one of whom was theSheikh of the Somali community who delivered a powerful message laying bare theerroneous link between religion and inhumane traditional practices against womenand children

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Other speakers at the event included Ms. Bernadette Muteshi , UNHCR ProtectionOfficer, who summarized the global significance of the event and whose speechurged the community to participate throughout the 16 Days of Activism, and Lt. Col.Rezene Tecle, the Head of Office of Refugee Affairs, who underlined the position ofthe GoSE on SGBV. Lastly, the Umkulu Camp Coordinator offered the closing

remarks and distributed symbolic white ribbons for all to wear, showing the solidarityof all who attended the event.

All the events during the 16 Days of Activism were organized to target the whole communityfrom pre-scholars to the traditional and religious leaders.

The activities included were a drawing competitions for the children of the refugeecamp; focus group discussions with men and women largely participated from thecommunity, storytelling, and debates aimed at challenging the societal acceptance ofFGM, early marriage, and other harmful traditional practices.

The community showed great interest in the ceremony and responded positively to

the subjects addressed in the various activities. Thanks to this positive response,UNHCR, in collaboration with ORA, will continue to pursue its mandate to createsecure, protected environments for refugees and to mitigate the risk of sexualviolence against all.

Overall, the campaign was a success and helped move towards UNHCRs goal ofeducating people against inhumane practices against girls and women. The followingyear will be a testament to the efficacy of this years 16 Days of Activism.

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UNHCR works with the State of Eritrea to protect refugeeswhile seeking durable solutions to end their displacement

UNHCR Office in EritreaCampo Polo Area, Meteten St. 1A754House no.35, P.O.Box 1995,Asmara, Eritrea

Monica Modici,Communications Specialistmodici@unhcr.org

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