16 Days of Activism

Kuwait, 25 November 2020 – The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that takes place each year since 2008. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. In support of this civil society initiative, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, the United Nations initiated UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE Campaign). UN Secretary General calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations. UNiTE also calls on governments, women’s organizations, young people, the private sector, the media and the entire UN system to join forces in addressing the global pandemic of violence against women and girls.

On April 6 2020, the UN Secretary-General urged all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women and girls a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19. The appeal was answered in a statement by 146 Member States and Observers. The EU and its Member States support wholeheartedly this call and have already taken action to promote the rights of women and girls amid the pandemic.

On June 24th 2020, the UN Secretary-General  call for action has been further accompanied by the Inter-Agency Statement on Violence against Women and Girls in the Context of COVID-19 with the objective to highlight six critical areas for action, providing the UN system with the common set of key advocacy messages and coordination for action: 1) Make urgent and flexible funding available for women’s rights organizations and recognize their role as first responders 2) Support health and social services to continue their duty of care to violence against women survivors and to remain accessible, especially to those most likely to be left behind 3) Ensure that services for violence against women and girl survivors are regarded as essential, remain open and are resourced and made accessible especially to those most likely to be left behind 4) Place a high priority on police and justice responses 5) Put preventative measures in place, and 6) Collect data to be used to improve services/programmes for ethical and safety standards can be met.

The Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator Dr. Tarek Elsheikh stated: “Kuwait has shown great progress in this regard through its commitment to CEDAW and UPR and other global mechanisms. As we recall on August 19 this year, a new Law on Protection from Domestic Violence passed by the National Assembly, which was then issued September 20. The law allows the creation of a national committee formed of different ministries and civil society representatives, to draw up policies to combat and protect women from domestic violence. This committee is expected to submit recommendations to amend or repeal laws that contradict the new domestic violence law. We at the United Nations command this milestone which will ensure establishing appropriate services for women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence, including sufficiently staffed and equipped shelters, telephone hotlines, legal aid, medical assistance, psychological counselling and rehabilitation around the clock. Furthermore, we are optimistically looking forward to the adoption and enforcing laws and regulations that include adequate legal remedies and complaints mechanisms, to protect documented and undocumented violence acts against women; The efforts exerted in collaboration between the Government of Kuwait and United Nations to carry out research and collect data on the extent of all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, as well as collect statistical data on complaints, prosecutions and sentences has been supportive to tailor government authorities actions. Ensuring implementation and emphasizing prevention remains key to the process”.

The Head of the European Union Delegation to the State of Kuwait and the State of Qatar, Ambassador Dr. Cristian Tudor stated: “The European Union is committed to continue working tirelessly with our international partners to address the root causes of violence against women and girls, ensure support for victims and reinforce the legal frameworks. Change is possible, but it requires action and determination. Gender equality and women empowerment is an important part of the European Union external action, therefore I consider it one of my priorities to support Kuwait in its efforts to encourage women’s political participation and advance gender equality.”

Our message is loud and clear. It is time to stand firm and act to fulfil the promise and ensure zero tolerance with all forms of Gender based violence.” Says Dr. Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA Regional Director, The Arab States Region. “The fact is that we should accelerate the efforts to face the emerging needs where COVID-19 has locked women and girls at home with those who may abuse them. UNFPA and partners’ hotlines witnessed its highest levels so far. Let us all be the voice of the voiceless.” added Shabaneh. UNFPA is providing medical & psychosocial support services to survivors of violence, especially In humanitarian settings. We pledge to continue our prevention and response efforts to millions of women and girls in our region.

UNDP Resident Representative, Hideko Hadzialic points out that the 2020 Law on Protection from Domestic Violence is a major milestone for Kuwait. Together with UN Women, UNDP is working closely with national authorities and the Women Studies and Research Center of Kuwait University to design training in support of the implementation of the Law.

UN Women Regional Director, Ms. Susanne Mikhail : “UN Women is proud to partner with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, the Women’s Research and Studies Centre of Kuwait University, and UNDP, to support Kuwait to reach its national development objectives in accordance with State Vision Kuwait 2035. The legislative reform enacted by the National Assembly in 2020 was a significant step forward in Kuwait’s efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls, and demonstrates what can be achieved by government, civil society and academia coming together to promote the advancement of Agenda 2030 and the SDGs.