EU to strengthen actions against gender-based violence

The European Union (EU) vowed on Wednesday to strengthen awareness and actions against gender-based violence, as it took over the leadership of a major global initiative in the field for the year to come.

Formally taking over the leadership of the global initiative "Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies" from Sweden on Wednesday, the EU pledged to focus on strengthening awareness and implementation of the Call to Action by the humanitarian community, in particular at field level.

"Gender-based violence is a very serious issue in humanitarian crises across the world. It is a priority to tackle for the European Commission," said Christos Stylianides, the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.

"We will use this role to focus on strengthening awareness and encourage the humanitarian community to take stronger action, particularly in crisis zones."

The EU has been an active member of the Call to Action since its launch in 2013. In 2016, the EU allocated more than 18 million euros in humanitarian aid for the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence, reaching almost 3.4 million women, men, girls and boys through 84 different projects.

The bloc also funds global capacity-building projects on gender and gender-based violence to support the implementation of the Call to Action Road Map.

The "Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies" is a global multi-stakeholder initiative which brings together over 60 members, including states and donors, international organizations and NGOs.