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Somalia conference in London focuses on protecting women and children

The government of UK and Somalia co-hosted an international conference on Somalia on 7th May 2013 in London to provide an international support for the Government of Somalia on sexual violence among women and children among other key issues.  Prime Minister David Cameron and other world leaders attended the event where the UK and other donors pledged £84m in aid for the Horn of Africa country.

“The conference has welcomed the commitment to protect women and children in Somalia, including efforts to tackle sexual violence. This is important, but we must be sure that it includes protecting vulnerable people, holding perpetrators accountable and, at the same time, making sure the needs of existing victims of sexual violence are met. This includes children, who must be given the support they need to rebuild their lives”, stated Erica Hall, Senior Child Rights Advisor for World Vision, UK. “Addressing these issues inevitably requires long-term funding, and we must ensure it reaches those who need it most,” She added.

 A final communiqué https://www.gov.uk/government/news/somalia-conference-2013-communique], spoke of the challenges that remain in the country – including an agreement to work together to deal with sexual violence, creating awareness of the issue.