afrol News, 15 February - With not a single conviction resulting from the thousands of sexual violence cases reported last year in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hoping the media can be a power ally in spotlighting how these offences go unpunished in the West African nation.

Currently, journalists treat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a social or cultural issue, rather than a criminal and human rights matter, participants heard at a recent two-day training and workshop that UNDP held in the capital, Freetown.

“By the end of her lifespan, nearly all Sierra Leonean women will suffer some form of sexual or gender-based violence,” said Samuel Harbor, UNDP Deputy Country Director.

Inequalities between men and women are among the worst in the world, with the country ranking 180th out of 182 countries for overall human development last year, he pointed out.

Although SGBV is considered a punishable offence in Sierra Leone, latest figures show that out of nearly 1,000 sexual abuse and over 1,500 domestic violence cases reported in 2009, there were no convictions.

More than 40 media professionals from across the country took part in the UNDP event, which sought to facilitate SGBV reporting and help journalists take part in national efforts to prevent and respond to the scourge.

“The media can play a pivotal role to help reduce impunity for SGBV offences by reporting SBGV cases with the consistency and professionalism that provides deterrence to would-be perpetrators while re-enforcing confidence in the justice system to victims and the society at large,” Mr Harbor said.

UNDP noted that this form of violence thwarts Sierra Leone’s economic and social development.

Addressing the workshop, Soccoh Kabia, Minister for Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, underscored that SBGV “has a profound impact on the dignity, psychological impact and a violation of a person’s human rights.”

By staff writer

© afrol News

Tweet

Printable version

On the Afrol News front page now

UN will not monitor human rights in Western Sahara afrol News - The US has backed down on its demand that UN peacekeepers in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara also shall monitor the human rights situation after Moroccan sources threatened to scale down relations with Washington. Read more

Central African Republic

Central African Republic falling apart afrol News - One month after the rebel movement Séléka took over power in the Central African Republic, unrest is spreading in the country. The new leader lacks control of his forces, which continue looting and abusing civilians. Read more

Kenya

Kenyatta secures tight victory in Kenya afrol News - The official election results in Kenya have finally been announced, and Uhuru Kenyatta managed to win the first poll round outright with a narrow 50.7 percent. But the main opponent, PM Raila Odinga, is filing a vote rigging complaint to the courts. Read more

Cape Verde Cape Verde to produce dragon fruit afrol News - Cape Verde authorities have invested large sums to diversify the arid country's agricultural sector. Now, the dragon fruit, originating in tropical America, is being introduced for the first commercial production in Africa. Read more

Egypt Even governors in Pharaonic Egypt died in their 20s afrol News - Researchers have analysed more than 200 mummies from ancient Egypt, finding that even high dignitaries were poorly nourished and had infectious diseases. The typical governor in Pharaonic Egypt died before he was 30 years old. Read more