MBABANE:Dessislava Choumelova,the European Union(EU) Ambassador to the Kingdom of eSwatini says,Gender Based Violence(GBV) has become a national emergency in the country.
Speaking here at the United Nations(UN) eSwatini Offices in Mbabane on Wednesday during the launch of the ‘Hlonipheka-Thriving for dignity programme.
The programme is jointly facilitated by the European Union(EU),the United Nations Fund for Population Activities(UNFPA),in collaboration with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office(DPMO), it is funded under the “EU thematic programme on human rights and democracy”.
The EU Ambassador said,GBV in it's different forms, “is recognized globally as one of the most widespread and persistent”violations of human rights
"In a few minutes,the EU Delegation to Eswatini and UNFPA will be signing an agreement whose name was carefully though:HLONIPHEKA,which means thriving for dignity,a very important goal that we need always to keep in mind.Gender Based Violence,in its different forms,is recognized globally as one of the most widespread and persistent violations of human rights.Due to the alarming increase in the Violence against women,GBV has become a national emergency also in Eswatini," said the EU Ambassador to Eswatini.
The launched was graced by Melusi Masuku the Principal Secretary(PS)in the office of the Deputy Prime Minister(DPM),UNFPA Regional Director Lydia Zigomo, UN Resident Coordinator in Eswatini George Wachira and Swaziland Action Against Abuse(SWAGAA) Executive Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini.
EU Eswatini Ambassador Dessislava Choumelova launches “Hlonipheka” funded under democracy and human rights programme,says Gender Based Violence(GBV) a national emergency.