MOGADISHU (SD) – On Monday, the United Nations in Somalia called on regional administrations to increase investment in the fight against gender-based violence in the country.

James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, also called for the enactment of laws to prosecute gender-based violence, in line with international human rights obligations that Somalia has previously committed to.

“This ensures that perpetrators are held accountable and survivors receive justice,” Swan said in a statement from Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, speaking on the commencement of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The global theme for this year’s campaign is “Unite! Invest to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

The campaign also calls on governments worldwide to share how they are financing the prevention of gender-based violence.

Addressing gender-based violence requires funding and resources, with a particular focus on protecting women, children, persons with disabilities, and minority groups most vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence, Swan said.

During the 16-day period, Swan said, the UN in Somalia will work with the government and civil society to highlight the need to end gender-based violence, emphasizing the need to accelerate the legislative process to enact laws protecting women and girls.

The campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage advocacy efforts, and share knowledge to stop violence against women.