Mogadishu – At the start of the annual global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the United Nations in Somalia today called for concerted action to address the growing issue of online abuse and harassment.
“Creating a safe and respectful digital environment for all women and girls requires collaboration between the government, tech companies, donors, and civil society,” the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said.
“The United Nations urges the adoption of laws to close critical gaps in the legal framework, which currently lacks explicit provisions addressing online and gender-based offences. It is essential that legislation be harmonized to reflect digital realities, and that judicial and law enforcement institutions are strengthened to handle online violence,” Mr. Swan added.
The theme for this year’s campaign — “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” — highlights the rise in online abuse and the urgent need to come together and create safer digital spaces for everyone, especially women and girls.
During the 16-day campaign, the UN will join hands with the Federal Government of Somalia, its Federal Member State counterparts, and civil society organisations to highlight the need to end digital gender-based violence. This will include advocacy and awareness-raising activities against harmful online behaviors, fostering personal responsibility to prevent abuse, supporting victims, and encouraging people to speak out against online violence.
This year, the 16 Days campaign is part of global initiatives marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 — two landmark commitments that advanced gender equality, women’s empowerment, and their participation in peace and security.
The annual 16 Days of Activism campaign begins on 25 November, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs through 10 December, Human Rights Day.