UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES ORGANISES SEMINAR ON SEXUAL ABUSE

December 2, 2003 – (Angola Press Agency - Luanda) "Sexual Abuse" is the subjec of a seminar which started this morning in Luena (Eastern Moxico province), promoted by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR).

The seminar is being attended by 55 activists and it is aimed at creating awareness mechanisms for the communities. For three days, participants to the event will be lectured on the causes and risk factors of sexual violence, aspects of equality, preventive action plans, kinds of abuse, among other topics.

The seminar is in the framework of the 16-Active Day Programme which started on November 25 and will end on December 10, a day which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The seminar is being oriented by a protection officer of the HCR, Tammi Sharpe, and attended by members of the local government, representatives of political parties, Angolan army officers, Police Force officials, UN agencies, religious and traditional entities.

The head of the HCR base in Moxico, Ousseny Compaore, considered the seminar as an instrument of juridical protection for women, internationally consecrated and outlined in the mandate of this UN organ.

On her turn, the provincial director for the Family and Promotion of Women, Quinitas Camiji, said that violence against women is today recognised as a critical matter, due to the complexity involving the discussion of this subject.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200312020857.html