REGIONAL REVIEW CONFERENCE ON THE GENEVA DECLARATION ON ARMED VIOLENCE AND DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED IN MANILA 08 October 2014 - “All peoples of the world have a right to peace and the fulfillment and preservation of this right and the promotion of its implementation constitute a fundamental obligation of each State. The Philippine Governments commitment to peace and development, the same thrust of the Geneva Declaration, is embodied in the current Administrations Philippine Development Plan of 2011-2016, which aims at inclusive growth and economic development for the Filipino people,” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. stated in his keynote message at the opening session of the Regional Review Conference on the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development for Asia and the Pacific. The Conference, which is being held in Manila on October 08 and 09, brings together more than 120 representatives from the region to discuss how to reach measurable reductions in armed violence, and improve development, both in the region and globally. Armed violence not only destroys lives and damages communities, but also disrupts development. At the same time, sustainable development is an element that reduces the risks of violence. The Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development is a diplomatic initiative—supported by 112 UN Member States—that encourages armed violence reduction and prevention (AVRP) as an essential component of sustainable development strategies and programmes. The Asia and the Pacific region is home to over half of the world’s population, yet experiences less than a quarter of all lethal violence. Despite overall low rates of lethal violence, the number of female victims and the number of direct conflict deaths are disproportionately high. While only 22% of all male victims worldwide are from the Asia and Pacific region, the region accounts for 43% of all female victims of homicide. With an average of around 22,300 conflict-related deaths per year, the region accounts for one-third of all direct conflict deaths. The Regional Review Conference provides an opportunity to review progress of the implementation of the principles of the Geneva Declaration, emphasizing the need for a united approach involving governments from affected states as well as donor countries, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector. The Conference also highlights the importance of gender equality, women’s protection from armed violence, as well as women’s participation in reducing and preventing violence. The event also puts emphasis on the role that media plays in raising awareness on the prevalence of armed violence. The conference discusses how development needs to be considered alongside security when tackling armed violence, and how these considerations could be included in the framework that will succeed the current Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Effective armed violence reduction and prevention involves tackling arms control, reforming security and justice institutions, and investing in youth, education, and alternative livelihoods. • For more information, please visit genevadeclaration.org/2014RRC • Follow the Geneva Declaration Regional Review Conferences on twitter: #2014RRC. For media enquiries, please contact: Geneva Declaration Secretariat: Mr. Martin Field | +41 22 908 5777 | [email protected] Department of Foreign Affairs: Ms. Darell Artates | +6328343743 | dfa.pisu@gmail END
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 08:38:12 +0000
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