JOINT PRESS RELEASE

EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in Timor-Leste launches Safe Space to support survivors of gender-based violence

DILI, March 7, 2023 – The Community Health Centre in Ermera municipality will host a Safe Space facility to offer a comprehensive range of services and provide first-line support to GBV survivors.  This Global EU-UN Spotlight Initiative will strengthen the health sector's response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Timor-Leste.

This Safe Space is the third centre established in the country as part of the global EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls. Having Safe Spaces within the health sector is critical to identify GBV cases, providing medical care to women and girls who are survivors of violence and referring them to other essential services, such as shelters, counselling centres or specialized medical care. 

Key guests during the event included HE Dr. Odete Maria Freitas Belo, Minister of Health, H.E. Armanda Berta dos Santos, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Mr. Björn Andersson, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Director, and H.E. Marc Fiedrich, EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste, among other dignitaries.

"Spotlight Initiative is the largest multilateral effort globally and in Timor-Leste to end violence against women and girls, which sits at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals, the world's roadmap and commitment to achieve peace and prosperity. The United Nations is proud of working hand-in-hand with the EU and partners to support the Government in addressing deep-rooted gender inequalities, strengthening policy frameworks, and creating safe and enabling spaces for women and girls", said Funmi Balogun, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste.

“The EU is glad to support the Government by providing an adequate place that will allow survivors of violence a way to seek support. A confidential environment where victims can have new possibilities for healing, prevention, and empowerment, contributing to creating a more just and equal Timorese society where gender-based violence is not tolerated”, said H.E. Marc Fiedrich, EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

Speaking during the launch, Mr. Björn Andersson, UNFPA Asia-Pacific Regional Director, noted: "The role of the health sector is central to ending all forms of gender-based violence, given that health service providers are usually the first point of contact for the survivors. I am very pleased to be part of the launch of the Safe Space at the Community Health Centre in Ermera, an important step towards strengthening the health sector's ability to prevent and respond to gender-based violence."

For media inquiries, please contact:

Suleiman Okoth, Communication and Programme Support Specialist, UNFPA. Email: okoth@unfpa.org

Telephone: +67075169796