Minister Cannon T.D. remarks at panel discussion on Ending Gender-based Violence in Emergency
Speech
27 September 2018Ireland has been a strong supporter of the Call to Action since its foundation in 2013. Ending gender based violence is a core commitment of our development and humanitarian programmes and forms a central component of our National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Ireland has made strong progress in a number of key areas under the call to action in recent years. All of Ireland’s humanitarian funding proposals are now appraised on the extent to which the protection of women and girls in emergencies is meaningfully addressed. We also provide three-year multi-annual funding to enable partners to better address underlying drivers of fragility, such as gender inequality, as well as their symptoms, such as gender-based violence.
One of Ireland’s closest partners in addressing Gender Based Violence in Emergencies is the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Our Emergency Response Funding mechanism allows the IRC to respond quickly, receiving indicative approval of funding for GBV crises within 24 hours of notification. This supports IRC’s response at the critical early stages of an emergency and helps catalyse further donor contributions.
The Irish government also supports and is a member of the Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence. The Consortium is an active member of several GBV Area of Responsibility Task Forces and delivers training for member organisations and their staff on working with people who have experienced trauma. In June 2018, the Consortium in collaboration with University College Dublin’s Centre for Humanitarian Action established an International Summer School on Gender Based Violence in Emergencies for humanitarian actors.
In summary, I am glad to be here to report Ireland’s progress but I am conscious that there is more to be done and Ireland looks forward to working with others here to continue to give meaningful effect to the Call to Action in the year ahead.