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Judi Lynn

(160,211 posts)
Tue Apr 23, 2013, 05:44 AM Apr 2013

UK Government Called on to Help Address Sexual Violence in Colombia

UK Government Called on to Help Address Sexual Violence in Colombia
Apr 2013

UK agencies warn that despite some advances made by the current Colombian government, significant human rights concerns persist. They are calling on the UK government to raise the issue of conflict-related sexual violence at a United Nations review in Geneva today of human rights in Colombia.

Louise Winstanley of ABColombia, which advocates on human rights in Colombia, said: ‘We are asking that the UK support civil society organisations that work with victims of sexual violence by providing legal advice, documentation of their cases, psychosocial support and accompaniment throughout the whole process.

‘Although peace talks are underway after five decades of conflict in Colombia, the violence continues in certain parts of the country. There is a vast under reporting of cases of sexual attacks that occur, and a failure to prosecute that amounts to impunity.

‘Women in Colombia who have suffered sexual abuse lack access to long term psychological support. Without the support of local women’s organisations, many survivors of would be too scared to come forward in the first place.’

More:
http://reliefweb.int/report/colombia/uk-government-called-help-address-sexual-violence-colombia

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