ABCE Ambassadors join Help & Shelter for Human Rights Day observance

Dec 10, 2013 News

Help and Shelter recorded a day in history yesterday with the visit of the ABCE (American, British Canadian and European) Ambassadors for the observance of the International Day of Human Rights 2013. They were also there to recognize the work the body has done to address abuse and domestic violence in Guyana.
The international day is being celebrated today under the theme ‘20 Years Working For Your Rights.’ The day also marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the beginning of a continued effort in the protection and promotion of human rights.

(From Left) EU Ambassador Robert Kopecky, British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre, Canadian High Commissioner Nicole Giles and US Ambassador Brent Hardt during yesterday’s ceremony.

During the brief ceremony at the entity’s Homestretch Avenue office, Ambassador of the United States of America, Dr. Brent Hardt; British High Commissioner Mr. Andrew Ayre; Canadian High Commissioner, Nicole Giles; and Head of the European Union Delegation Ambassador, Robert Kopecky all commended Help and Shelter for its strides in working to eliminate abuse; even as they called to mind the roles the international community has played in the country’s fight, including funding and facilitation of awareness programmes.
Robert Kopecky took the opportunity to announce that the EU will be donating almost $27 Million (€100,000) to Help and Shelter to assist them in improving the lives of women, children and men who suffer from domestic and sexual violence and child abuse.
While strides were acknowledged, however, the call was still for continuous efforts to be made to curb the epidemic, not only in Guyana but worldwide.
“Today, all over the world, basic human rights continue to be violated; this work, sadly, remains unfinished,” the British High Commissioner noted.
According to the US Ambassador, in combating gender violence, there is need for increased advocacy and interaction between policy makers and those that work in the field. He also spoke to the need to empower girls to speak for themselves and to educate boys to speak for their sisters.
“We must ultimately overcome the deep-rooted gender inequalities that either allow or actively promote violent, discriminatory practices,” he urged.
On the same note, the Canadian High Commissioner urged that as an international community, efforts should be made to work along with government and non-governmental organisations in order to accomplish this universal goal of eliminating the scourge.
Further, in order to induce change in society, reporting instances of abuse and seeking support when needed were encouraged by each of the diplomats.
“Contact organisations such as Help and Shelter and Red Thread. They can help you. To those witnessing domestic violence, we urge you to speak out against it… Admist the trauma of domestic violence, there is hope. There is hope that is offered by the victims themselves as they gain strength to stop the violence and rebuild their lives.
And there is hope that is offered by those who help,” were some of the words of advice offered to victims.
In an effort to reach the nation on the auspicious day, Help & Shelter has organized the airing of documentary – Break the Cycle – Stop the Violence, that was produced in observance of the International Day of Violence against Women 2012. The video is scheduled to be aired from 16:00 hours on the various television channels.