Press Release - November 25, 2016

Shangri-la Hotel, Ulaanbaatar - Today, UNFPA Mongolia launched the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)” campaign in Mongolia. November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and from now until the Human Rights Day on December 10th, this global campaign seeks to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. With the theme ‘Orange the World: Raise Money to End Violence against Women and Girls’, this year’s focus is on the issue of sustainable financing for initiatives to prevent and end violence against women to global prominence and also presents the opportunity for resource mobilization.

The campaign in Mongolia was launched with a workshop for journalists on GBV reporting, organized by UNFPA in cooperation with the Press Institute of Mongolia, seeking to raise more awareness about GBV and help develop the media’s skills in order to handle GBV stories that are often sensitive by nature.A year-long partnership with the Press Institute is also forthcoming, which will allow for similar joint activities promoting awareness of GBV and other issues that affect the health, well-being and safety of women and girls. Other notable events planned for the 16 days include the “Orange Session” on December 7th at the Shangri-la CentreMall, a gathering of young, talented artists who volunteer their time to raise their voices against GBV through music and increase GBV awareness among the youth. Proceeds from donation drives at this and other Orange Sessions earlier in the year benefit the One Stop Service Centers for GBV survivors in Mongolia..

In Mongolia, campaigning against GBV - specifically domestic violence - remains highly relevant in the country’s sustainable development agenda. Current registered statistics reveal that:

• 88.3 percent of domestic violence is against women;
• As of 2015, 80 people lost their lives, and 3,299 people were injured due to domestic violence during the last 5 years; and
• In 2015, there were 1,356 cases of domestic violence registered and the number of domestic violence cases reported to the police increased by 26% from the same period of the previous years.

“It is important to highlight that these statistics are based on registered cases, which does not usually uncover the reality. Often, those who experience violence are not easily forthcoming due to feelings of shame, and direct implications to their safety”, said Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Mongolia Representative.“ In order to stop GBV, we must continue to raise public awareness and help influence leaders and decision-makers to create a legal environment that protects victims, invest in their safety and stop the culture of impunity that allows perpetrators to remain unaccountable.”

In 2016, the campaign strongly emphasizes the need for sustainable financing for efforts to end violence against women and girls towards the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically SDG # 5 – Gender Equality.

“Gender equality is a prerequisite for the full realization of women’s and girls’ human rights and for the advancement and well-being of individuals, families, communities and countries,” said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, in his recent statement. “UNFPA works to eliminate gender-based violence in countries around the world, many of which are affected by conflict or natural disasters, and where the risk of violence against women and girls is high. Last year alone, the Fund invested more than $93 million in the prevention of and response to gender-based violence and harmful practices in developing countries and in humanitarian crisis situations.”

On this note, for this day and for the next 16 days ahead, UNFPA calls on its partners in government, civil society, the media and the public to renew its commitment to put an end to violence against women and girls especially, until it is eliminated in Mongolia and in the world.

To get help : NACV Hotline - 6490505

Police - 102-107, 108

To donate for GBV programs and survivors: http://unfpa-mn.org

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About UNFPA (www.mongolia.unfpa.org) UNFPA is the UN agency delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA Mongolia currently implements the 5th Country Programme 2012-2016, closely in line with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for Mongolia.

Contact information: Angelica Esguerra, UNFPA, 353505 (ext. 3314), [email protected]