Armenia`s government reiterates readiness to prevent gender violence

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.