The UK commits more funds to preventing sexual and gender-based violence

The UK Foreign Office recently announced a further £5 million in funding to support organisations around the world involved in tackling sexual violence in conflict and eliminating violence against women and girls.

According to a press release issued by the British High Commission in Banjul, it will forward on to Gambian organisations details of how to bid for funds once details become available. 

The UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) was launched just over a year ago by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and this year resulted in a historic declaration by G8 Foreign Ministers containing a number of legal, political and practical commitments. 

The G8 Declaration endorsed the development of a new International Protocol on the investigation and documentation of rape and sexual violence in conflict. 

The UK has also established a team of experts who help strengthen the capacity of other governments, authorities and organisations to investigate allegations of sexual violence.

Since their establishment the team has been sent to the Syrian border, Mali and Libya.

The team also plans to visit South Sudan, Somalia and DRC, the dispatch concludes.