Bangladesh: Sexual Offences

(asked on 21st February 2018) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to follow-up the initial deployment to Bangladesh of two staff under the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative; what gaps those staff identified in relation to (1) the documentation of sexual violence in conflict (SVC), and (2) the provision of services for survivors of SVC; and how they intend to help address any such gaps.


Answered by
 Portrait
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 7th March 2018

Our independent civilian experts found that work is required to improve the capacity of the local authorities and other actors to gather and document evidence of sexual violence and to ensure appropriate psychosocial support for survivors. The experts also found constraints on the provision of services in the camps and shelters for survivors of sexual violence in a number of respects, including lighting, physical access to health and other support services, and physical security, especially at night.

We are urgently implementing their recommendations in consultation with local actors, including by providing capacity building on the documentation of cases and further support for survivors of sexual violence.

We are also deploying further civilian experts and trainers to build capacity on documentation. The Department for International Development (DfID) continues to fund the United Nations Population Fund, International Organization for Migration, UNICEF and Action Against Hunger, to improve outreach to and identification of survivors, establish referral pathways, and improve case management and support. DfID funding is also supporting gender-based violence services, including the provision of medical services, counselling and psychological support.

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