Beirut, Lebanon

Wednesday, 25 November 2015
The
United Nations launched today in Lebanon the 16 Days of Activism, part of a
global campaign aimed at promoting action to end violence against women and
girls and to empower them.

During
visits to a women's center in the Palestine Refugee Camp of Burj El-Barajneh
and later to a center in Choueifat, Ms
Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon emphasized the
importance of the empowerment of women and girls through education, as one of
the pathways to ensure greater protection from violence.

Protection from violence needs to be
accompanied by accountability, Kaag stressed. "No one can stand by idly,
and the UN is committed to support both the Government of Lebanon and civil
society as they promote a more protective environment for women and girls,"
said the Special Coordinator on behalf of the UN family in Lebanon.

The 16
Days of Activism begin on 25 November, which marks the International Day for
the Elimination of Violence against Women until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
This year, prevention is the key theme of the UN Secretary General’s 16 day
call for action. In Lebanon, the 16 days
will focus on the theme of Protection and Empowerment of Women and girls: a Collective
Accountability. Activities to promote the protection and empowerment of women
are planned during that period by the UN, women’s centers and civil society
groups. The symbol of the campaign is the purple ribbon.