Title : Response services for addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in conflict-affected areas: Evidences from Ethiopia
Abstract:
Article-3 of Universal Declaration of Human tights, adopted by the United Nations (UN), mandates that everyone has the right to safe life. But gender-based violence (GBV), prevalent in many societies, is an obstacle to this realisation. There are three types of GBV: (a) physical (resulting in injuries & distress), (b) sexual (reflected in unconsented sexual acts), and (c) psychological (leading to psychologically abusive behaviours). The author of this work argues that GBV, particularly in conflict-affected areas of Ethiopia is pervasive. This work is primarily aimed at presenting evidence-based description on response services of Ethiopian Government for addressing GBV in conflict-affected areas. It outlines significant initiatives undertaken under the Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia Project (RRR for CAC in EP) as a part of addressing issues connected with GBV. Also, it briefly touches upon initiatives of selected collaborating partners in expanding service delivery. Secondary that (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. Data were collected from books, book chapters, journal articles, and publications of inter-governmental agencies. Method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’. Analysis of data also benefited from knowledge gain resulting from interaction of the author with health care experts during international conferences held in countries such as Tajikistan, Vietnam, USA, Tanzania, Turkey, Sweden, Philippines, Australia, Ireland, etc. Analysis of data indicates that conflicts-induced situations [resulting from power struggle between the Government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)] have led to breakdown in social support systems and services needed for GBVs. Climate-related shocks are other reasons for conflict in many Ethiopian communities. In the backdrop of these challenges, the Government launched, in 2023, the RRR for CAC in EP. This initiative has enhanced GBV response services by encouraging survivors to seek help when placed on add situations. It has offered medical, psychosocial, and case management support. Also, it has focused on prevention efforts aimed at addressing the underlying factors that are responsible for violence. In this context, it is pertinent to note that the RRR for CAC in EP is mainly focused on providing immediate assistance to conflict-affected communities, thereby paving the way for sustainable recovery. This is done by strengthening institutional advocacy and policies. Most importantly, objectives the RRR for CAC in EP, thus, have been formulated in a manner that align with the Ethiopia’s Ethiopian Government’s ambition to build an inclusive and resilient future. Promoting long-term stability and growth, despite the present challenges, is the vision and mission objectives. Collaborating developmental partners in implementing the RRR for CAC in EP are United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Development Association (IDA), and World Bank. This presentation concludes that significant progress has been made in effectively addressing issues connected with GBV in conflict zones in Ethiopia. However, demand for comprehensive and multi-sectoral response services remains high across all five regions where the RRR for CAC in EP has been implemented. This situation has led the Government of Ethiopia to expansion and scaling-up of the GBV response activities.
Keywords: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Response Services, Conflict-Affected Areas, Ethiopia, Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia Project (RRR for CAC in EP), Intervention Areas, Social Support System
