لنستخرج كنوزا من المعرفة و الإبداع و العلم و الأفكار
JOHANNESBURG: Hollywood actress and UN ambassador for refugees Angelina Jolie has called on men attending the AU Summit to intensify efforts to stop the rape of women, especially in conflict-torn areas.
In Africa, sexual violence was being treated as a lesser crime with greater levels of impunity, as armed groups on the continent used it as a weapon of war, Jolie noted.
Sexual crimes against women were becoming the weapon of choice for armed groups all over the world because these often happened without punishment, she said.
“The near total impunity that exists worldwide for crimes against women in conflict zones in particular means women and girls are bearing the brunt of extremists that revel in treating them barbarically,” Jolie told delegates attending the AU panel discussion on women, peace, and security on Friday.
Although there was much more awareness of women’s rights today and much good work being done, progress was slow, she noted.
“I am pleading with you as leaders to live up to your promises and beyond. You as men can play a bigger role by arresting and prosecuting perpetrators, allocating funds for survivors of sexual violence and helping to root out violence and discrimination,” she said.
“You can lead on this issue here in Africa. There is no more inspiring role model than a man who protects and fights for the rights of women.”
The panel, which included AU chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, British politician William Hague, and the UN secretary general’s special representative on sexual violence and conflict Zainab Bangura, discussed the occurrence of sexual violence against women and girls in conflict areas.
Rape of females by soldiers working in conflict zones was not only happening Africa, but across the world, she said.
“More people are displaced by wars today than after World War II. There are 15 million people displaced today due to conflict, and half of them are women and girls. Girls are out of school and more vulnerable to rape,” Jolie said.
“It is clear that this is not an African problem, but a global problem.”
Jolie said she was encouraged by African countries that came up with measures to stop the scourge. She added that countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and the Ivory Coast had plans to stop gender-based violence.
“The crucial thing is whether these plans would be implemented. I plead with you, please think about what it would mean if the 54 member states here, press together as one for the rights of women… not only for this great continent, but for the whole world.”
Dlamini-Zuma said women should play their role in efforts to end conflicts, and that women must be at the negotiating table when countries seek to resolve civil conflicts.
Women’s voices must be heard and taken into account in efforts to achieve true peace and stability, she added.
The summit, under the theme “Year of Women Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063”, ends today. – ANA, Xinhua
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