Lately, I requested an immediate ceasefire worldwide to focus on the shared fight to overcome the pandemic and I appealed for the end of violence everywhere but this is not only limited to the battlefield, said Guterres on a video message.
Therefore, he added, I made a new call for peace at homes across the world.
We know blockades and quarantines are essential to suppress Covid-19, but they can trap women with abusive couples, warned the UN secretary general.
In this regard, Guterres detailed, in many countries, the number of women calling support services has been doubled.
Meanwhile, medical care suppliers and the police are overwhelmed and with few staff, and local support groups are paralyzed or do not have funds, he noted.
In addition, some shelters that foster victims of domestic violence are closed and others are full, he watched.
The top UN representative urged all governments to make prevention and repair of violence against women a key part of their national plans in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.
The aforementioned measure would imply to increase investment in line services and organizations of civil society, make sure that judiciary systems continue processing abusers, establish systems of emergency alert in pharmacies and supermarkets, declare shelters as essential services, he pointed out.
It is needed to create safety ways for women seek support, without warning their abusers, underscored Guterres and highlighted women’s rights and liberties are crucial for possessing strong and resilient societies.
“Together, we can and we must prevent violence everywhere, from war zones to people’s homes, while we are working on defeating Covid-19 disease.”
sus/omr/mem/ifb
