CONTINUING COVERAGE ON LAUNCH OF 2010 SWOP REPORT

ARGENTINA: Artemisa Noticias published a commentary on 14 December on the 2010 SWOP report, summarizing the report’s findings and UNFPA’s efforts to raise the issue of gender-based violence in its exchanges with Member States. Read in Spanish: Artemisa Noticias

BARBADOS: The Barbados Advocate reported on 14 December that, speaking during the launch of the 2010 SWOP report, Daniel Baker, Director of UNFPA's Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, stated that the publication looked at several of the issues facing women and how these could be addressed. “Women are more vulnerable to sexual assault and assault in all crisis situations, including natural events like earthquakes, hurricanes, etc., but especially in war. This report highlights the vulnerability of women and that something can be done to help them and that, therefore, special attention needs to be paid to ensuring the protection of women,” he said. Read: The Barbados Advocate

SRI LANKA: The Daily Mirror reported on 14 December that UNFPA launched the 2010 SWOP Report, “From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change.” According to the report, “When women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies.” The report's release coincides with the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peace building initiatives. “When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including the weapon and humiliation of rape and less likely to contribute to peace building, which threatens long-term recovery,” said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid at the launch of the report. Read: Daily Mirror

UZBEKISTAN: UzReport reported on 16 December that UNFPA’s 2010 SWOP report was launched at the National Press Centre of Uzbekistan on 16 December. UNFPA office in Tashkent and Women's Committee of Uzbekistan joined hands in organization of media-briefing to launch the report and discuss the issues of women's rights and empowerment in times of crises. This year's report is entitled "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change" and it focuses on the role of women during humanitarian crises caused by armed conflicts and natural disasters. The report argues that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies. Read: UzReport