Addis Ababa, July 3, 2024 (FBC) – The United Nations (UN) has announced its readiness to jointly carry out monitoring activities to ensure proper access to humanitarian aid for women affected by conflicts in Ethiopia.
UN’s commitment was reiterated by Christian F. Saunders, Under Secretary-General for Office of the Special Coordinator on Improving UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA), during his meeting with Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergogie Tesfaye on Tuesday (July 2nd).
During the meeting, Ergoge Tesfaye said that various works are being done to prevent gender-based violence, to ensure gender equality and to empower women.
She asserted that encouraging results have been recorded in preventing early marriage and female genital mutilation owing to collaborative efforts with international organizations and other partners.
This achievement has helped Ethiopia to receive international recognition, the Minister stated, acknowledging the vital role of the support extended by international partners for the success achieved.
Ergogie added that the government is working in coordination with international organizations to support and rehabilitate women who have been affected by various conflicts and other man-made disasters in the country.
The Minister also called on international partners to strengthen their support in order to continue the works that have been started.
USG Christian F. Saunders, on his part, said that the UN will work closely with Ethiopia to protect women from violence and protect their rights, as well as to ensure that humanitarian assistance is properly accessible to women who have been affected by conflicts.
In that regard, the United Nations is ready to undertake monitoring activities collaboratively with Ethiopia.
He also confirmed that the UN is ready to provide the necessary support to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs’ activities.