IN observance of Human Rights Day today, leaders of the diplomatic corps in Guyana visited Help and Shelter yesterday, in an effort to support increased awareness of the domestic violence scourge.
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Brent Hardt, stated that although cooperation between Guyana and the United States has been strong, overcoming the issue of gender-based violence remains a challenge.
COOPERATION Hardt said, “Together, we need increased advocacy and more interaction between policy makers and those who work in the field.  We need to empower girls to speak up for themselves, and educate boys to speak up for their sisters.  We must support the inclusion of men, boys, and critical community stakeholders – such as religious leaders – in addressing and preventing violence and changing gender norms and attitudes.  We must ultimately overcome the deep-rooted gender inequalities that either tacitly allow or actively promote violent, discriminatory practices.”
He expressed the embassy’s commitment to continuing it relationship with civil society partners, like Help and Shelter, to work together to address and prevent violence from occurring.
The Ambassador added that there are plans in the pipeline to work closely with civil society to continue to combat violence.
“To those of you who come face to face with gender-based violence – know that there are resources for support at your disposal,” he said.
Hardt called for Guyanese to commit to making a positive change towards the cause against domestic violence, even if it is a small one.
“Create awareness and training programmes in your communities, your schools, and your companies. Continue to advocate through the arts, music, and poetry – do not limit yourself or be afraid to take the lead,” he urged.
British High Commissioner, Andrew Ayre, also made remarks and noted that in Guyana, the British High Commission continues to champion Human Rights issues, particularly domestic violence, the death penalty, and LGBT rights.
He said, “That is why we support Help & Shelter and other notable Guyanese human rights organisations in their excellent and important work.
“Domestic violence is a scourge that must be addressed at all levels of society. The British High Commission continues to partner with the EU in funding a number of domestic violence awareness initiatives undertaken by Help and Shelter.”
He underscored the fact that while many agencies are cooperating to fight this scourge, victims must speak out against it.
MAJOR THREAT
Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Nicole Giles underscored how major a threat violations of human rights are.
She said, “Domestic violence constitutes a profound violation of basic human rights and denies human freedom. It allows the actions of another human being to strip victims of their human dignity, self-worth and self-esteem.
“This form of violence is perpetuated by a cacophony of causes, including economic and social disparity, inequality, poverty, lack of education, age and gender.
“It is therefore important that, as an international community, we continue to work with governments and non-governmental organizations, such as Help and Shelter, to help eliminate and mitigate the scourge of violence and threats of violence against all.
“It is also important to reiterate that no matter the reason, domestic violence is never okay.”
According to her, no country can afford to allow domestic violence to be viewed through “myopic” lens, labelled as a private, family matter or shrouded under a veil of secrecy.
“Domestic violence inflicts devastating familial effects, and its impact reverberates well beyond the immediate victims. It thrashes through the economic, public health, security and social sectors, wreaking devastation,” Giles said.
She added that the protection of human rights must be a priority.
“As an international community, and as human beings, we have an obligation to the victims of these appalling forms of violence. We have an obligation to coordinate our efforts to ensure maximisation of resources. We have an obligation to encourage dialogue with interest groups and support the ongoing efforts of the local partners. We have an obligation to stand up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves,” the High Commissioner said.
In Guyana, Canada has worked with Help and Shelter in efforts to promote, develop and protect human rights. In 2012, the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives co-funded a project with the European Union that sought to promote the human rights of victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse. Prior to that, Canada funded a project to provide support to victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse through counselling.
On that note, she stressed that amidst the trauma of domestic violence, there is hope with the support of non-governmental organisations, like the Help and Shelter.
Head of the European Union Delegation Ambassador Robert Kopecký made it clear that human rights are one of the core values of the European Union and the issue of domestic violence is one that needs to be resolved.
He said, “Domestic violence knows no geographical, cultural, social, economic or educational boundaries. It affects people from all walks of life and can cause terrible physical and emotional pain. It is a phenomenon that affects all societies, and is arguably the most widespread human rights violation of our time. I welcome and commend the current campaign by the Ministry of Education to raise awareness of – and combat – this issue.
“The European Union, along with the UK, which is the only EU Member State represented in Guyana, are proud to work in partnership with Help and Shelter and to have provided them with funding to help tackle the scourge of domestic violence.
“I am proud to be able to say that the EU is providing almost one hundred thousand euro to Help and Shelter to assist them in improving the lives of women, children, and men who suffer from domestic and sexual violence and child abuse.”
The ambassadors also used the opportunity to urge victims of domestic violence to contact organisations such as Help and Shelter and to those witnessing domestic violence to speak out against it. Persons were also encouraged to watch the TV programme made by Help and Shelter called, “Break the Silence: Stop the Violence” (sponsored by the British High Commission) which will be shown today on various televisions channels.
Written By Vanessa Narine