Brussels, 25 November 2011 - Today on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Avocats Sans Frontières calls for increased efforts to end violence against women and the impunity with which such crimes continue. ASF emphasizes the need to holistically address the causes and consequences of violence against women.

To work towards eliminating violence against women, ASF is active in places like Uganda, seeking to contribute to the establishment of rule of law mechanisms to address the link between land conflict and violence against women. The UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women reports that “The gender gap in land ownership and its effective control is the single most critical contributor to the gender gap in economic well-being, social status and empowerment…” ASF’s activities supporting women’s land rights ensure that women are empowered both legally and economically, making them less vulnerable to violence. 

ASF’s approach to preventing gender-based violence is multi-pronged, addressing not only the human rights issues that are cause and consequence of violence against women, but also advocating for stronger law enforcement. The Ugandan Domestic Violence Act was passed in March 2010, ensuring that perpetrators of domestic violence are liable to fines and /or imprisonment, and outlaws depriving the victim of economic or financial resources to which she is entitled. However, it is still awaiting a ministerial order before it can come into effect. ASF is supporting the development of regulations for implementation of this law. ASF is also working to ensure that women have the necessary legal support to access justice through the courts and to raise awareness so that Ugandans know about this new law and about women’s rights. ASF offers free legal advice, especially in remote rural areas, reaching thousands who had previously been unable to access legal support. 

Similarly, ASF is active in the Democratic Republic of Congo, working to strengthen the systematic collection of judicial decisions regarding sexual violence, thus reinforcing the advocacy necessary for enforcing the decisions and creating permanent mechanisms for reparations for victims. In addition to offering free legal consultations and representations for victims before local courts, ASF also trains lawyers and justice personnel on the needs of victims of sexual violence in court.

ASF’s global mission is to contribute to fair and equitable societies in which the law serves society’s most vulnerable groups. The 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women calls on States to use due diligence to “prevent, investigate and…punish acts of violence against women…”  ASF expresses its strong support in reaching these goals through its work contributing to the establishment of legal mechanisms and institutions that allow for access to justice and guarantee the protection and effectiveness of fundamental human rights, ensuring that violence against women does not continue with impunity.