GENEVA, November 26 (UNHCR) – UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres has stressed that preventing sexual and gender-based violence must remain one of the UN refugee agency's highest priorities.

"Today, there is still a widespread culture of neglect and denial of violence against women and girls. We must commit to change this," Guterres said in a message to staff to mark the start on Sunday of the annual 16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Violence Against Women.

The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. This year's theme is "Demanding Implementation, Challenging Obstacles: End Violence against Women."

The High Commissioner stressed that all UNHCR staff, as members of the United Nations, were responsible for raising their voices to protest against sexual and gender-based violence and for taking action to respond and prevent it.

"We, especially men, are often reticent to speak out to condemn violence against women and girls. But this should not be viewed as a personal matter; it is an essential part of our work to promote international protection," added Guterres, who said he always made it a point to listen to women and children during field trips to understand their concerns and determine if "we are providing them with the protection they need."

He said these exchanges were a key part of UNHCR's Accountability Framework for Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming, "and it is clear from them that preventing sexual and gender-based violence must remain one of the organization's highest priorities."

Guterres said that the number of women worldwide who suffer violence has reached hideous and pandemic proportions. "To help put an end to sexual and gender-based violence, UNHCR is working to fulfill its responsibilities under Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security," he said, adding: "We have also taken an active role in the UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, particularly in situations of dire need such as Darfur and the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

The High Commissioner noted that UNHCR had committed an additional US$3.7 million in 14 countries this year for projects directed at women and girls facing acute protection risks. "Still, this is not enough," he said, while inviting "everyone at UNHCR to stand together and take action in order to achieve gender equality. We must continue to fight for a world where women and girls, especially those of concern to UNHCR, are respected in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities. They must be able to walk freely, without fear."

UNHCR offices are marking the 16 Days of Activism with activities and awareness-raising programmes. These are being organized in partnership with refugee communities, civil society, non-governmental organizations, governments and other UN agencies.

In Geneva, a small exhibition opened Monday in the UNHCR headquarters featuring posters and male mannequins bearing messages opposing sexual and gender-based violence against women. Staff were offered white ribbons to symbolize support for establishing a world in which women and girls can live in peace and dignity. Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone nor remain silent about violence against women.

In north-eastern Iraq, meanwhile, awareness sessions about violence against women were held in the Kawa and Makhmour camps for Iranian and Turkish Kurd refugees last week. Some 90 women attended the session in Kawa and about 60 were at the one in Makhmour. The sessions, marking the 16 Days of Activism, were organized by UNHCR and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

UNHCR is also organizing a T-shirt competition for its field offices. The refugee agency will produce 1,000 T-shirts of the best designed entry, with 500 T-shirts for the runner-up.

UNHCR news