UNMIK/PR/24 NOVEMBER 2000

PRESS RELEASE - 24 November 2000

International Day to Oppose Violence Against Women

On 25 November, in several countries,  men and boys wear white ribbons as a symbol of their opposition to violence against women and their support for its eradication. In Kosovo, women's groups have organized activities for this day and during the week, which are designed to  raise awareness among males on the issue of violence against women in Kosovo.

Despite substantial progress of women's human rights movements around the world, violence against women continues unabated, according to women's organizations. Domestic abuse is one of the most disturbing forms of such violence, in part because many cultures have not criminalized the abuse of women: in some places such behavior is not viewed as wrong or criminal.

UNMIK, OSCE, Kosovo women's groups, lawyers and professors from the Kosovo Faculty of Law have been involved in drafting a Regulation on the Prohibition against Domestic Violence.

Domestic Violence Sub-groups have been set up in Pristina, Gnjilane and Prizren. These groups provide a forum for Kosovo people and internationals to coordinate, share information and raise concerns about domestic violence and to find ways to prevent violence and increase awareness.

The campaign "Kosovo Men & Boys Against Violence Against Women" is an initiative of the Pristina Domestic Violence Sub-group. Groups involved include: UNMIK Office of Gender Affairs, The Women Wellness Centre (Peja), Protection for Women & Children (Pristina) The Women's Centre Pristina and Drita Women's Group, WHO, Mercy Corps International, International Medical Corps, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNMIK Department of Social Welfare, Children's Advocacy International, Medica Gjakova and  the Danish Refugee Council.

Publicity materials to be produced include an information package for NGOs, youth and media, as well as notebooks, pens and T-shirts.