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Confronting rape as a weapon of war

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Confronting rape as a weapon of war

Posted by Elisabeth.Roesch on March 8th, 2011

Margot Wallström (center) meets with aid agency representatives in Washington, DC.

Photo: The IRC

Today, International Women’s Day, Elisabeth Roesch writes about Margot Wallström’s recent meeting with aid agencies including the International Rescue Commiitee.  Wallström is the UN’s first ever Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, tasked with leading the UN’s efforts to mobilize the international community to address sexual violence.

Margot Wallström’s open style, hands-on attitude and good sense of humor are refreshing for one of the most powerful women in the United Nations.  Not to mention, critically important tools for someone whose job is to confront one of the toughest and most important challenges of our time: rape in conflict.

Over the last decade, the world has woken up and been moved to action by the horrific violence that women and girls often face on an almost daily basis in countries torn apart by strife and war.  Wallström, a former Swedish politician, media executive and member of the European Commission, is the leader for this action.  Appointed by the U.N. Secretary General as his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict a little over a year ago, she is tasked with mobilizing the international community to respond to sexual violence with the same seriousness and commitment used to respond to any other threat to our world’s peace and security.  

Wallström is outspoken about her belief that sexual violence is a criminal act – often a war crime – and that perpetrators should not be allowed to walk free.  Proof of her seriousness has been her relentless advocacy to bring some of the worst offenders to justice.  Callixte Mbarushimana, for example, is a leader of one of the main rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  Accused of raping women and girls, he was recently brought to justice for his crimes. He and other offenders can thank Wallström’s practice of “naming and shaming” for a portion of the international attention they have received.  Yet recently Wallström met with aid agencies including the IRC in Washington, D.C., and she was candid about the challenges she faces in working toward her primary goal of ending impunity.

Wallström’s office, though growing, remains small.  Having recently received generous support from the US government, she now has the ability to expand her team to 9 people.  But her list of priority countries is almost as long as the size of her staff – Colombia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan and Liberia.  With less than a year left in her term, she will need to engage where she can have the most impact.  While sexual violence in the DRC receives much attention, it will take fierce determination to shine a spotlight on its neighbor, CAR.   The situation in CAR has long suffered from neglect even though the violence committed against women and girls there is equally grave.  And in Ivory Coast, where a disputed election endangers a fragile peace, Wallström is one of the few voices speaking out to condemn the attacks on women and girls that have been reported in recent months.  There, a critical opportunity to prevent violence is being missed.  Can one person reverse the tide?

On my most optimistic days, I see Wallström as one leader in a growing movement of people that realize women’s security is important for international security or, to quote the famous words of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recognize that “women’s rights are human rights”.  When a more cynical mood overtakes me, I wonder if world leaders have opened their eyes to the atrocities being committed against women in places like Sudan or Congo only to close them again as the same scenario plays out in other countries.  It is easier to recognize a problem when it is bounded by the borders of a far-off war-torn nation.  Far more difficult is waking up to the fact that violence against women and girls is global in scope, vast in scale and requires not a discrete intervention but a wholesale change in the way we respond to the needs of women and girls affected by conflict.  My hope is that Wallström can leverage her time with the UN to catapult the international community to the next stage in confronting this violence. This would mean not only bringing perpetrators to justice but also changing the widespread practice of allowing the basic human rights of women and girls to be violated in silence. 

Tomorrow I’ll tell you about three goals that I think are critical to this fight.

Confronting rape as a weapon of war (Part 2)

Posted by Elisabeth.Roesch on March 9th, 2011

Over the last decade, the world has woken up and been moved to action by the horrific violence that women and girls often face on an almost daily basis in countries torn apart by strife and war

Photo courtesy Kevin Sites

Yesterday I wrote about Margot Wallström’s recent meeting with aid agencies including the International Rescue Committee. Wallström is the UN’s first ever Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, tasked with leading the UN’s efforts to mobilize the international community to address sexual violence.

Today I’d like to share the three goals that I think are critical to the fight not only to end sexual violence but also to extend basic human rights to women and girls all over the world:  

• Ensure that no survivor of sexual violence goes without lifesaving care and assistance.  Standards for the prevention of and response to gender-based violence in humanitarian settings exist but are ignored.  Wallström could change this by working with UN agencies to strengthen their ability to assist women and girls in conflict zones.
• Give rise to women’s voices.  Women need to have a say in the way that wars are resolved and peace is built.   Women’s conception of justice for crimes of sexual violence often goes beyond the prosecution of individual cases.  Many women want to live without fearing for their safety and have their power and abilities recognized.  Meaningful justice requires embracing a larger vision and supporting women’s leadership across social, economic and political spheres.
• Stop the denial.    Believe it or not, not everyone is convinced that the UN, UN peacekeepers, other international organizations and government ministries have a role in addressing sexual violence.  UN member states routinely ask for “proof” that violence is occurring and drag their feet in responding.  The IRC has supported tens of thousands of survivors of sexual violence over the past decade (40,000 in the DRC alone).  In almost every conflict in which we intervene, women and girls are at risk. And yet the question arises again and again – is this violence really happening? Wallström must call out such comments for what they are: simple denial.  This must be a fundamental part of her campaign to end impunity.  Impunity is more than a perpetrator going free, it is also the inaction of leaders who have the capacity to respond but refuse to believe there is a problem.

Ohio mom jailed for putting kids in safer school

Don't punish mothers for putting kids in safer schools Dear Stephanie, Incredible! In just over a day, more than 23,000 Change.org members have spoken out against the imprisonment of Kelley Williams-Bolar.  Kelley is a single mom in Akron, Ohio who was sentenced to 10 days in jail and 3 years probation for sending her kids to a safer school in her father's neighboring district, instead of the violence-plagued district where she lives. The campaign is working. Kelley was interviewed from jail on Good Morning America yesterday. Time Magazine and the New York Times columnist Nick Kristof shined more light on the cause. The Roots even tweeted about the petition.  But there's a lot more to do, especially because if this "crime" stays on her record, Kelley won't ever be allowed to teach in Ohio. (She's just a few credits away from finishing her teaching degree and clearly passionate about education.) We've already sent more than 23,000 messages to Ohio Governor John Kasich, demanding that he pardon Kelley. But we need him to know that the whole country is watching, so we've set an ambitious goal of 50,000 signatures this week. Please sign the petition, then forward this email to everyone you know.  The judge in Kelley's case said that the harsh penalties for telling district officials that her children lived with Kelley's father, when in fact they lived with her in a different town, will serve as a message to other parents considering a similar move.  But our message is clear too: Ohio should be working to improve all schools, instead of punishing parents whose children are trapped in unsafe, ineffective schools.  Add your name now:  http://www.change.org/petitions/view/gov_kasich_pardon_ms_kelley_williams-bolars_unfair_sentencing_for_fraud_and_theft?alert_id=dGhFwLEpFr_YGIjClBzEX&me=aa Thanks for taking action,  Patrick and the Change.org team P.S. Please also post this campaign on Facebook by clicking here.

The IRC in Central African Republic

The IRC in Central African Republic.

Where We Work › Africa › Central African Republic

The IRC in Central African Republic

Violence, malnutrition and disease are threatening tens of thousands of people in the north of Central African Republic (CAR). Since long-simmering tensions erupted into an open conflict in 2006, some 300,000 people have fled their homes to avoid the killing, burning, looting, and raping that plagues the northern part of the country. Despite a pledge by the government and various rebel groups in June 2008 to pursue a peaceful solution to the conflict, the violence continues unabated. Meanwhile, crime and banditry are rampant, poverty is crippling, and thousands of civilians are dying from malnutrition and preventable diseases. 

In the Nana-Grébizi region of Central African Republic, the IRC is training local health staff and providing critically needed medicines in several rural health clinics and a hospital in the regional capital of Kaga Bandoro. Since 2007, the IRC has helped treat around 100,000 patients in the region. Photo: Peter Biro/The IRC

How We Help

In 2006 the International Rescue Committee (IRC) launched emergency assistance programs for displaced people and other vulnerable populations in the violence-torn northern region of CAR. Currently, the IRC provides access to health care, clean water and sanitation services,  and education. We also work to empower and protect women, provide job training, and enable people to thrive in a difficult economy by distributing tools and seeds and supporting their small businesses.

Some of the ways the IRC is helping in CAR:

• Educating community leaders on national law and human rights
• Operating a mobile clinic to bring health care services to rural communities 
• Providing health care and emotional support to survivors of sexual violence.
• Supporting schools that teach children to read and write and provide a safe place to play.
• Building latrines, digging wells and repairing water sources to improve hygiene and access to safe water.

We reached our goal - Thank You

Corazón de Vida Foundation January 2011 With your help, we were able to reach our goal of raising over $75,000 in the fourth quarter 2010.   Dear Corazon de Vida Angels; So many friends, churches, companies, and families joined together these past few months and helped raise over $75,000 to help the children during the holidays.  Kudos to everyone who thought about the kids and who said "I can help make a difference".   We know these are very difficult times for everyone and we are humbled by your generosity. It is assuring to know that you believe in our work in Baja to provide assistance to 14 orphanages and over 750 children.   This amount will help us start 2011 with funds to continue our work. Thank you to all of our Angels and for being a part of the Corps.   Happy New Year,   Corazon de Vida Foundation    Casa Hogar Sion  Orphanage Trip Saturday February 19, 2011 Click HERE to Register   Sion has over 100 children who will be waiting for our charter bus to arrive on February 19 as we bring supplies, food and best of all, visitors to play with all day. We will sing, dance, create crafts, serve lunch, and make lots of new friends. Check out the photos from our last trip to Sion.  Don't miss the bus, register early please. For a $40 trip fee, we will share a delicious lunch with the children, do an exciting craft project, travel safely in a beautiful charter bus, and best of all, send a message to the kids that we care. We can make arrangements for your church, corporate, and group to visit the children. Celebrate your birthday, anniversary, or wedding at an orphanage. It will be the best day ever.   Casa Hogar Los Angelitos Imagine a house where 30 children live, a house that is safe and secure, a home that provides an education, health care, and a possibility of a stable future. This is Casa Hogar Los Angelitos, a home for mostly girls right in the middle of Tijuana. These girls have been pulled away from their families due to abandonment, violence, abuse, and worse. For 8 years, Los Angelitos has survived with help from CDV and other generous "angels" but in these difficult times, they are struggling.   The home has a leaky roof and the structure is in need of many repairs. They need funds for utilities, computers, and tutors. Help us continue to provide for these girls and help  stop the cycle. These girls hold the key to their future, lets help them today.        Corazon de Vida Needs For 2011   Third Party Events:  The Super Bowl is next month. Have a party and ask friends to bring diapers, detergent, TP, dish soap, etc. Play games and with the winnings, help pay for medical needs or education for a child. Need ideas? Please contact us. Vehicles: CDV needs a SUV 4WD vehicle for our travels in Baja. All orphanages need small economical cars for errands, store runs, school transport, and more. We can provide a tax deductible receipts for all donations. Office Volunteers: We need help in our Irvine office for administrative volunteers. Responsible and reputable friends with accounting background and detail oriented skills are needed. A perfect position for a retiree.  Your Heart: We need more people to visit the children. They get very few visitors these days and they ask "What did we do wrong"? Join us on our monthly bus trips to hug a child, draw, and teach. We have safely lead thousands of people to visit the orphanages since 1994.   With your help, we will continue to provide life sustaining support to over 750 children living at 14 orphanages. Child Profile: Lorenzo "I want to help bring kids into this world" Lorenzo said these words about 7 years ago when asked about his future. Fast forward to July 2010 when he got the results from his medical school entrance exams with a score of 1050. He needed 700 to pass! He just completed his first semester and even though it is not easy, he is doing very well. One day he will return to the  orphanage that raised him and help the children there not only be healthy, but to be a mentor and role model for those who will follow.   Thanks to CDV donors located in Los Angeles who made a commitment to Lorenzo to help make this dream come true.   We have many other students who have a promising future, but without funding support, the cycle of child homelessness will continue. If you want to stand by our side to create future leaders, please let us know. Together, we will make a difference. Our Next Orphanage Trip February 19, 2011 Quick Links CDV Website Trip Schedule Sponsor a Child People Magazine CDV Intro Video Ralphs Rewards Goodsearch You Tube Facebook CDV Vision That every child in the world has someone committed to the possibility that their life holds the same excitement and opportunity as the most fortunate child on earth. CDV Mission To raise contributions in the form of money, materials, and volunteer work to support and empower the children of Baja. Join Our Mailing List!

Corazon de Vida | 2062 Business Center Drive | Suite 225 | Irvine | CA | 92612

 

Stand Up for Health:

Stand Up for Health:.

Slavery at the Super Bowl

Tell the Super Bowl Host Committee: Don't be a bystander to child trafficking

Every year, children as young as 11 are trafficked involuntarily to Super Bowl cities. There, football fans – usually men, often inebriated – will pay traffickers to have sex with them. 

The Texas Attorney General estimates these kids have a life expectancy of just seven years from the time they're first trafficked.

This year, the Super Bowl Host Committee is charged "to engage in responsible planning . . . to ensure the readiness of North Texas to host the first Super Bowl in the Cowboys’ new stadium."

Local anti-trafficking groups have repeatedly offered to help the Committee use its influence to educate fans and the public about the dangers of child trafficking -- which could help to prevent thousands of rapes and abuses at America's biggest sporting event.

But the Host Committee has refused to take meaningful action. And thousands of children will pay the price.

Tell the 2011 Super Bowl Host Committee to take a stand against child trafficking. 

In Dallas, a terrific local organization called Traffick911 has created the "I'm Not Buying It" campaign. They've offered the Host Committee free PSAs, posters, banners and informational cards to educate the public and protect children from being abused and raped.

But the Host Committee refuses to display the information. 

The Committee is working hard right now to generate good publicity for North Texas and the game, so public pressure at this moment will be especially powerful. 

Tell the Super Bowl Host Committee that they have a responsibility to protect the children who'll be trafficked to Texas for the Super Bowl: 

http://change.org/petitions/view/ask_the_super_bowl_host_committee_to_stand_up_and_protect_children

After you sign, please forward this email to friends and family to let them know about this crisis, and how they can help. 

Thanks for taking action,

- Patrick and the Change.org team

P.S. Once you add your name, click here to share this campaign on Facebook. 

NYCharities.org The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund

NYCharities.org.

The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund
4 Chase Metrotech Center
7th Floor East; Lockbox 5193
Brooklyn, NY 11245
http://www.nytimes.com/neediest
(800) 381-0075

The Neediest Cases Fund, administered by The New York Times Company Foundation, raises millions of dollars to help thousands of individuals and families in distress. The assistance is rendered by seven New York City social service agencies. The Times pays the Fund's expenses, so all contributions go directly to provide services and cash assistance to the poor.

New Lancet Study Proves Reducing Newborn Deaths Achievable, Sustainable,

** EMBARGOED**

New Lancet Study Proves Reducing Newborn Deaths Achievable, Sustainable, Save the Children Says

-- With no new technology, training existing health workers could save 100,000 newborn lives a year in Pakistan, many more globally --

 Media Contact:  Tanya Weinberg, +1 202 640 6647, +1 202 247 6610 (m) tweinberg@savechildren.org

 WESTPORT, Conn. (January 14, 2011)– A Pakistan-based study to be published Saturday in the Lancet medical journal achieved a significant drop in newborn deaths and could be widely applicable in high-mortality countries around the world, Save the Children and other authors said.

 More than 3 million newborns die each year from largely preventable causes.  Well-known lifesaving interventions continue to be out of reach for the majority of mothers and newborns in the developing world.

 The research trial required no new technology and relied solely on introducing counseling and educational outreach on proven newborn health practices into Pakistan’s public health system in the rural district of Hala.  As a result, newborn mortality and stillbirths there dropped 15-20 percent, more mothers gave birth in facilities and newborn care practices improved substantially. The 2-year research trial ran from 2006-08 and differed from previous newborn care studies because researchers worked through a large public sector program and hired no new health workers.

 “This study shows, for the first time, how proven newborn health interventions can be integrated effectively into an existing public health system.  That means these kind of lifesaving results are feasible and sustainable.” said Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, lead author of the Lancet article and professor and chair of women and child health at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan.

 The Hala study tested the introduction of newborn care practices by giving additional training to members of Pakistan’s corps of community health workers.  These “lady health workers” often have no more than a 10^thgrade education.  The government trains them to focus primarily on family planning and general health care, although they are also trained to visit pregnant women at home to promote postnatal care and some aspects of immediate newborn care.

 Researchers in the Hala study trained lady health workers to also provide group counseling on maternal and newborn care practices, to partner with traditional birth attendants, and to make home visits to teach simple newborn care practices to new mothers.  These included early and exclusive breastfeeding, delayed bathing and early recognition of signs of serious newborn illness.

 “In Pakistan alone, nationalizing these simple measures could save 100,000 lives a year – and potentially more with wider coverage than what was achieved in the study area,” Dr. Bhutta said.  “Far greater numbers of babies could be saved globally.  Large countries with high newborn mortality – such as India and Ethiopia – have similar cadres of community health workers that could adopt these methods.”

 While under-5 mortality has declined substantially in recent decades, reductions in newborn mortality have been slow.  Newborn deaths now constitute more than 40 percent percent of the 8.1 million child deaths annually.

 Charles MacCormack, President and CEO of Save the Children called the Hala study results “groundbreaking.”

 “A growing proportion of child deaths occur in the first month of life. This study’s remarkably hopeful finding shows it doesn’t have to be this way,” MacCormack said.  “We urge governments and their partners to adopt this low-tech, high-impact strategy.  It can save large numbers of newborn lives, and do so quickly.”

 In the Hala trial, lifesaving newborn care practices improved significantly when families received the strengthened package of newborn care.  Sixty percent more mothers breastfed their newborns within one hour of birth, and 36 percent more mothers gave the antibody-rich first breast milk, called colostrum, which is often traditionally discarded.

 Although the number of mothers and their newborns receiving a postnatal visit from a lady health worker at the end of the study was relatively small (28 percent), it represented a nearly three-fold increase from the start of the study (8 percent).

 "This trial proves that trained community health workers can effectively deliver essential newborn care. This type of training can and should be scaled up within public sector programs to save newborn lives," said Dr Elizabeth Mason, Director of the World Health Organization’s Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health.

 The Hala trial was funded by grants from the World Health Organization and Save the Children’s Saving Newborn Lives program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

 To learn about Save the Children’s campaign for newborn and child survival, visit www.GoodGoes.org.

Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Follow us on Twitterand Facebook.

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Women's Refugee Commission

Women's Refugee Comm

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Women's Funding Network Annual Conference 2011

Women's Funding Network Annual Conference 2011.