Australia contributes to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women
27 August 2012
At a press conference with Foreign Minister, Senator Bob Carr, during her official visit to Australia, UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet thanked the Government and people of Australia for their strong support to UN Women, and leadership for gender equality and women’s empowerment at home and abroad. Speaking of UN Women’s priorities, she highlighted UN Women’s work on addressing violence against women and girls, with Australia’s support. One in three women in Australia experiences violence in her lifetime and in some countries in the Pacific, two in three women are subject to abuse and violence. Drawing on the comprehensive programme in Victoria as a model to be shared in other countries in the Pacific, UN Women is focusing on ending impunity and bringing offenders to justice, raising awareness for zero tolerance, and providing survivors with essential services such as housing, legal aid and medical and social support.
For the joint press release by UN Women and Australia, click here.
Following the talks in Canberra with Ms. Bachelet, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr announced that Australia will contribute $6.7 million to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women that supports initiatives around the world to prevent and address violence against women and girls. Since its establishment in 1996, the UN Trust Fund has supported 339 programmes in 127 countries and territories with over US$ 78 million. For more on this news, visit http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2012/bc_mr_120823.html
To learn more about the work of the UN Trust Fund, visit http://saynotoviolence.org/donate/un-trust-fund
