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LequteMan
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The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have signed an agreement to curb sexual violence in Africa, Zainab Bangura, the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, said in New York on Thursday.
The envoy co-signed the document with Amb. Smail Chergui of Algeria and Commissioner for Peace and Security of AU.
The document, signed on Jan. 31, the final day of the 22nd AU Summit in Addis Ababa, focuses on key areas, such as combating impunity by perpetrators and capacity building for peacekeepers and security actors.
It will also strengthen national policies, legislation and institutions working on conflict-related sexual violence.
"National ownership, leadership and responsibility are absolutely essential if we are to protect women and girls, including men and boys, from these barbaric crimes.
"I am confident that this framework of cooperation will help us in this fight,’’ Bangura said.
She said that the agreement also emphasised the importance of services for survivors, empowering women and girls and countering the stigma of survivors.
The envoy co-signed the document with Amb. Smail Chergui of Algeria and Commissioner for Peace and Security of AU.
The document, signed on Jan. 31, the final day of the 22nd AU Summit in Addis Ababa, focuses on key areas, such as combating impunity by perpetrators and capacity building for peacekeepers and security actors.
It will also strengthen national policies, legislation and institutions working on conflict-related sexual violence.
"National ownership, leadership and responsibility are absolutely essential if we are to protect women and girls, including men and boys, from these barbaric crimes.
"I am confident that this framework of cooperation will help us in this fight,’’ Bangura said.
She said that the agreement also emphasised the importance of services for survivors, empowering women and girls and countering the stigma of survivors.
