The Rainbow Center in Sierra Leone has revealed that between January and September of this year, Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Nineteen Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases were reported across the country.
The Center has appealed for adequate funds from government and donors for medical, psychosocial and legal support to victims reiterating that the battle against SGBV is far from over.
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay assured that his ministry is committed to end SGBV by strengthening laws on human rights and rule of law, gender-mainstreaming in the sector including appointment of 30% women in the sector, decriminalising petty offences, offering free legal services to SGBV victims and implementing the GEWA Act across the board.
The Sierra Leone Police has also informed that they are compiling the statistics of SGBV cases reported to them since the start of the year. The Police said a One Stop Center is been constructed at the Aberdeen Police Station and that a Gender Directorate has also been established in the Police Force.
Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby asserted that SGBV has no place in the country and that the ministry is committed to zero tolerance to SGBV.
He went on that One Stop Centers have been established in various hospitals nationwide for victims to have access to comprehensive treatment and cataloged some of the challenges in the fight to end the menace as unreported cases, cultural and traditional norms, lack of confidence in the judiciary and inadequate resources.
The United Nations Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, Sarafine Wakanah said 30% of girls in Sierra Leone get married before the age of 18, which she underlined, is still high, urging all to challenge harmful traditional and cultural practices.
She pledged total commitment to end the menace affirming that the UN would advocate for systematic reforms and among others reduce poverty and mobilise resources.
The Irish Ambassador in Sierra Leone disclosed that of the 200 countries in the world, none has succeeded to end SGBV noting that Sierra Leone has made progress in recent years citing the various laws that have been enacted including the Safe Motherhood Bill and the Child Rights Bill that is before parliament all aimed at accelerating progress in the fight to end SGBV and stressed the need to redouble efforts.
He also disclosed plans to launch the Le375 million 4-years Spotlight program supported by the European Union to strengthen legislation, reforms prevention, boost response services and support civil society organisations and women’s movements.
