19 August 2008 - Victims of crime in North Darfur to benefit from new Family and Child Protection UnitWomen and children affected by crime in North Darfur will benefit from a new source of support and care with the opening tomorrow of the first Family and Child Protection Unit in the state. The Unit, based in El Fasher, has been established by the North Darfur Police and the State Council for Child Welfare, in partnership with UNICEF. Children, women and families can now report crimes which have affected them, including rape, abuse and violence, in a safe and private environment. The Unit is staffed by police officers who have been specifically trained on the UN Convention of the Rights of Children and child-friendly procedures. The Units are also equipped to support young offenders. “The ongoing conflict in Darfur is just one factor that has led to women and children suffering from crimes, and we are delighted that the authorities in North Darfur are taking a lead in providing professional support to those affected,” said UNICEF Representative Ted Chaiban. “By ensuring that such support is available, we hope also that women and children especially will feel more confident in coming forward to report crimes against them, or those they have witnessed, so no one has to suffer in silence.” Services available in the Unit include evidence-gathering, medical assistance, legal advice and social worker support. The concept was first piloted in Khartoum, and the government now requires all states in the north of Sudan to establish similar units. To date, projects have also been initiated in West Darfur, Gedaref and South Kordofan, with work ongoing to establish units in Blue Nile, Kassala, North Kordofan and South Darfur. “In many cases the stigma surrounding rape and other abuses creates a culture where women feel unable to report crimes for fear of implications for themselves or the perceived shame that it brings upon family honour,” added Chaiban. “These Units provide victims of crime with a protective environment that ensures their dignity is maintained.” This week also sees the opening of a new office housing the State Council for Child Welfare in El Fasher, also supported by UNICEF. The Council is a key advocate for upholding the rights of children in line with international standards and more recently has campaigned for the release and reintegration of children who have been associated with armed groups and forces in North Darfur. The official opening of the State Council for Child Welfare office is at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday 20 August, followed by the opening of the Family and Child Protection Unit. Media are welcome to attend.
|
