CIAUD-Ghana calls for an end to violence against women

By Mohammed Balu, GNA  

Banu, (UWR), Dec. 23, GNA – The International Committee for Relief and Development (CIAUD-Ghana) has commemorated Human Rights Day at the Banu community in the Sissala East Municipality with a call to an end to violence against women.  

It was organised for the benefit of the chief and people of Banu, refugees, asylum seekers, and officials of the Sissala East Municipal Assembly.  

Speaking at the event, Mr Frederick Saayuor Balsab, a Protection Monitor of CIAUD-Ghana, expressed gratitude to the community for honouring the invitation, describing the day as an important moment to reflect on the protection and dignity of all people and to reaffirm its commitment to promoting human rights and protecting vulnerable groups.  

“Our work ensures protection and assistance for refugees, internally displaced persons, and populations in precarious situations. We also contribute to national development by enhancing local human and natural resources through win-win partnerships,” he said.  

Mr Balsab added that in Ghana, CIAUD is running a protection monitoring and data collection project in the Upper West, Upper East, and Bono East regions, focusing on refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons in Sissala East, Sissala West, Jirapa, and parts of Bono.   

The programme combines data collection, strategic analysis, and capacity building in collaboration with UNHCR, the Ghana Refugee Board and national sector platforms.  

The organisation also tracks protection concerns including gender-based violence, sexual abuse, assault and early or forced marriage issues that threaten fundamental rights and peaceful coexistence,” he explained.  

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, CIAUD-Ghana dedicated the celebration to the 2025 Human Rights Day under the theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.”   

The day commemorates the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which affirms the universal dignity and equality of all people.  

The organisation used the occasion to call for the Elimination of violence against Women and Girls (EVAWG), urging communities to help end gender-based violence, trafficking, sexual abuse, and all forms of exploitation.  

“Every human being, regardless of colour, tribe, age, gender, education or appearance, must enjoy their rights without hindrance,” the representative emphasised.  

The event forms part of CIAUD- Ghana’s continued efforts to promote safer, empowered, and resilient communities across the country.  

Mr Waasi-u Abdul-Razak, Director, Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Sissala East renewed calls for stronger community action to end violence against women and girls in the Sissala East Municipality.  

Mr Abdul Razak said the gathering was not just a ceremonial observance but a reaffirmation of a global and national commitment to protect the dignity.  

He said, “Safety and rights of women and girls, violence against women is not only a deeply personal tragedy, but it is a public emergency and development issue as well.”  

Mr Abdul-Razak highlighted Ghana’s obligations under several international and regional frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, which required governments to safeguard women from all forms of violence.  

 He also referenced the 1992 Constitution, particularly Articles 15 and 17, which guarantee the dignity and equal rights of all individuals.  

He further cited the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), and provisions within the Criminal Offences Act as key national laws that protect women and girls from abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices.  

Despite these measures, he noted that violence continues to persist within the municipality and needs greater attention.  

He stressed that addressing the problem required a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including DOVVSU, CHRAJ, the Health Directorate, NGOs, traditional authorities, and religious leaders.   

He said his department remains committed to providing support, protection, and justice for survivors.  

He outlined key actions needed to eliminate violence in communities including breaking the culture of silence, challenging harmful social norms.  

Others include encouraging reporting and supporting survivors, strengthening community by-laws, and ensuring strict enforcement of national laws, among others.  

Abdul-Razak called on the public to envision a community where every woman and girl can live without fear.  

“Let us imagine a community where every woman walks freely without fear and where every girl can dream boldly. “  

CIAUD-Ghana, established in 2016 and governed by Canadian law, operates across several African countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, DR Congo, Chad, Djibouti, Cameroon, and Ghana.   

The organisation’s mission is to provide humanitarian assistance in crises such as famine, natural disasters, and conflicts, while supporting community development to promote self-sufficiency.  

GNA  

Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei