ArmInfo. The Armenian government confirms its readiness to take significant steps towards preventing gender-based violence. This was stated yesterday during a round table on gender-based violence by RA Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan.
As reported by the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the discussions were attended by US Ambassador to Armenia Christina Quinn, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili, representatives of the Investigative Committee, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, civil society and international organizations.
In her speech, Arpine Sargsyan noted that both inclusive discussions and daily contacts with representatives of the political society will allow the authorized body to outline strategic solutions taking into account the existing problems. The Minister thanked the international partners for their active cooperation and support, emphasizing the need for not only campaigns, but also daily measures to prevent gender-based and domestic violence. "When I look back at the work done in previous years and the problems that we have inventoried together, it becomes obvious that many changes have taken place that are reflected not only in legislative acts, but also have had very serious practical significance, as evidenced by our numerous conversations, including with people who have been subjected to domestic violence," Arpine Sargsyan said. Referring to domestic and international practice, she pointed to the positive reaction to the involvement of women in the police service system, which allows for more effective prevention and detection of cases of violence.
According to US Ambassador Christina Quinn, gender-based violence is a problem in any country, and its scale is a challenge for every society. "The US government is ready to support the efforts of the Republic of Armenia to protect women's rights and prevent any manifestations of violence," the diplomat said.
Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili believes that the problem of gender-based violence is not only a women's problem, it is a global problem. "According to statistics, every third woman in the world is subjected to violence during her lifetime. It should be noted that increasing the role of women in the law enforcement system is important in the process of promoting gender equality," Natia Natsvlishvili noted.
During the discussions, issues related to changing the culture of responding to cases of gender-based violence and violence against children, improving the professional capabilities of law enforcement officers, the capabilities of the SAFE YOU application, as well as taking into account and responding to requests from various structures were considered.