EU and TAF partner to raise awareness on access to justice for survivors of violence against women

The European Union (EU) together with The Asia Foundation (TAF) hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Gender-based violence and women’s access to justice’ to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW). 

The United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of VAW 1993 defines gender-based violence as “any act that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”. 

EU Ambassador Denis Chaibi making the opening remarks

Many survivors opt out of reporting incidents due to a range of reasons including insensitive formal justice sector processes. The level of impunity and suspended sentences given for perpetrators of violence, the long delays within the legal redress machinery for survivors who seek justice, and the lack of sensitivity and tact among service providers, also form negative perceptions in reporting violence and in seeking legal redress.

Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka Denis Chaibi warmly welcomed the invitees, panellists and the media. His welcome speech struck a chord with the audience as he stated: “Although gender-based violence is an issue addressed by many, there is still widespread ignorance on measures of protection, remediation and legal action. 

“The EU’s approach has focused on protecting women from gender-based violence through legislation and practical measures on victims’ rights. Victims’ rights are reinforced at all stages of the criminal process through an EU law establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime.”

TAF Country Representative Dinesha de Silva Wikramanayake noted: “We have come together for two reasons: firstly, to recognise the work being done to make justice a reality for victims of gender-based violence. Secondly, to look at the way we can contribute to make a difference, for every day is a persistent fight against gender-based violence, and every day is a day to work on eliminating violence against women.”

Justice Shiranee Tilakawardane who delivered the keynote address explained that violence against women affects three generations: the parents, the victim, and the victim’s children are all impacted. Justice Tilakawardane also underscored the evolving nature of gender-based violence due to the role of technology and urged stakeholders to work strategically to combat this threat. 

The panel of experts included Women in Need Executive Director Savithri Wijesekara, Senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Lakshman Senanayake, Attorney-at-Law Mahesh Senaratne and Attorney-at-Law Ermiza Tegal. The panel was moderated by TAF Director – Justice and Gender Dr. Ramani Jayasundere.

Some of the topics that were discussed are the need to create more survivor-friendly services within the health, legal and justice sectors in the absence of adequate support services, training requirements for the officials on gender sensitivity, the role of the health sector in legal processes and its importance in advocating for appropriate responses to deal with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

United Nations Development Program Deputy Resident Representative Faiza Effendi delivered the closing remarks.