Message of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat During the 16 Days of Activism Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls
Under the theme:
Orange Africa: Fight Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Against Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons”.

Today, 25th November marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence. In solidarity with the global theme, and in line with the AU theme of the year, the AU has decided to put a spotlight on sexual violence against refugees, returnees and internally-displaced women and girls with a theme “Orange Africa: Fight Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Against Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons”.

The persistence of sexual violence against women and children, especially refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons is gross violation of human rights and an intolerable crime, whether in times of peace or war.

And as I highlighted at the Global Gender Summit, currently underway and hosted for the first time in Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, all and any violence against women and girls is unjustifiable to all conscience and an affront to all culture and all religions. Every voice counts to make sure that all our societies condemn and punish such acts, and ensure that all women and girls are safe in their homes, their communities, and especially when they are in harm’s way during armed conflict.

It is in this regard that today, as we start the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence, I call on all AU Member States to take decisive action to strengthen legislative and accountability measures to bring justice for survivors and make sure that perpetrators face the might of the law. Member States should also support survivors to rebuild their lives through the provision of social protection services, including quality health care, public services and sustainable infrastructure.

I also urge all stakeholders to support and Member State work towards concrete actions to fulfil our common commitments toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.

I stand in solidarity with all survivors of sexual violence and urge every African in the continent and the diaspora to add their voice to demand an end to this plague against our common humanity.