25 November to 10 December 2016

Koror, Palau. November 25, 2016 – With an “awareness walk”, inter-agency brown bag sessions, youth and cheldebechel outreach, Youth Justice (formerly Juvenile Justice) Working Group (“Youth Justice”) and Family Protection Act Stakeholders (“FPA Stakeholders”) are sponsoring a 16-Days of Activism campaign to advocate for an end to violence in our community.  The campaign starts today, 25th November which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs up until 10th December, which is Human Rights Day.

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With today’s launch, Palau joins the global UNiTE campaign led by the UN to raise awareness to end violence against women and girls towards the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  With the Ministry of Community & Cultural Affairs (“MCCA”) as the lead agency in the implementation of Family Protection Act, Minister Temengil-Chilton highlighted that “In Palau, multi-agency partners are using this campaign as an opportunity to raise awareness in the community about the problem and challenges we have with gender-based violence.  According to the Belau Family Health and Safety Study 2014, 1 in 4 women in Palau experience violence in their lifetime.  Eight (8%) of women had experienced violence in the past 12 months prior to the survey.  We need to put an end to violence.  Violence in the home hurts our children and hurts our community.”

The three key agencies, MCCA, Youth Justice (an informal group) and the Judiciary are leading these events and activities which are aimed at raising awareness about the problems and challenges of violence against women and girls.  Everyone is encouraged to join and participate.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign is an opportunity for the public to learn about the support services available for individuals and families.  People are encouraged to seek ways to prevent violence by seeking help and support from a wide range of service providers.  “Everyone is invited to take part in this important campaign to end violence within our families.  We all have a role to play to put a stop to violence in our community.  A safe and happy family makes a safe and happy community,” says Senator Uduch Sengebau-Senior of C-WEB.  “I want to thank our partners, the FPA Stakeholders particularly the UN Women, Youth Justice, Judiciary, MCCA, MOH, MOJ, MOE, including Council of Chiefs, Mechesial Belau and key partners at government and non government level for their valuable contributions which made this year’s campaign possible.” The activities planned for the 16 Days of Activism in Palau to end all forms of violence against women, girls and children will include the following:

November 25 – “Walk/Run to End all Forms of Violence” to launch Palau’s 16 Days of Activism with partners calling on everyone to Orange Our Community on 25 November and the 25th of every month thereafter.  Orange is a  bright and optimistic color for global UNiTE Campaign, representing a future free from violence against women and girls.

25Nov – 10 Dec: Youth Justice and FPA Stakeholders are partnering with OTV to advocate for ending violence in our community. Starting November 25 and airing daily, OTV will show film and video messages promoting an end to violence in our community.  Films will be aired to December 10.

November 30: “Dialogue with Youth” with PCC students to build awareness about violence in Palau, ways to prevent it and discuss ways to work together to stop violence in our community.  FPA Stakeholder partners will also display the services available for victims and violators.

December 2-7: Inter-Agency Brown Bag Sessions targeting staff of partner agencies (Youth Justice, MCCA, Judiciary) and key women/community organizations to bring forth strong awareness and advocacy.

December 10: Human Rights Day Color Run for Diversity is a color run promoting diversity & advocating rights for all people, particularly Palau’s vulnerable groups – women, children, disabled and minority groups.

For More Information about all the activities or services to “End Violence against Women” or “Orange Day”, please contact the Family Protection Act (FPA) desk at 488-2626 and talk to Mr. Vierra Toribiong or Ms. Lulu Techur. [/restrict]