Women's Programme: Violence against Women

Violence Against Women is a universal phenomenon and is a major obstacle to peace development and democracy.

Women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatments. The vulnerability stems from their gender. Women and girls are the victims of de jure and de facto inequality, often perpetuated by stereotypes, customary and traditional practices, or even religious extremism. These inequalities prevent women from enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms and are often synonymous with physical, sexual and psychological violence in the family, the community or perpetrated or tolerated by the State.

Through the Women's programme, OMCT intends to strengthen knowledge of the problem and facilitate the construction of mechanisms within the United Nations and at the country level to offer improved protection for women.

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and Forum of Conscience (FOC) appeal for the release of all women and children held behind the rebel lines

Tel 41 22 809 49 39 Fax 41 22 809 49 29