Category: CANA News

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says the that avian influenza A(H5N1) continues to circulate in the Americas, with new outbreaks detected in birds, mammals, and sporadic human infections linked to exposure to the virus.

It said Clade 2.3.4.4b, the region’s predominant strain since 2021,continues to drive the activity recorded in recent years.

Recent data indicates that 19 countries and territories have reported 5,136 outbreaks in animals since 2022.

According to the latest epidemiological update report, since mid October, 73 additional outbreaks have been recorded, primarily in domestic and wild birds. In 2025, nine countries have confirmed 508 outbreaks in birds, along with thousands of wild bird detections, especially in the United States and Canada.

PAHO said the geographic spread and high frequency of outbreaks in poultry and wild birds continue to challenge biosecurity and food production across the region.

The update also notes ongoing activity in mammals. Canada and the United States have reported 77 outbreaks in wild and domestic mammals so far this year. Since March 2024, the United States has detected infections in dairy cattle in 18 states, with more than 1,000 herds affected.

PAHO said the detection of the virus in non-avian species-including dairy cattle-underscores the need to consider livestock and wildlife surveillance, according to the context of risk and epidemiological patterns.

PAHO reports that human cases remain rare. Since 2022, the Americas have reported 75 human H5N1 infections, with two deaths and the UN organization said that these recent human cases highlight the importance of early detection through epidemiological, virological, and genomic surveillance-both human and animal-to identify any changes in the virus, as well as timely clinical management and contact tracing.

It said most cases have been associated with direct contact with infected animals, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Globally, since 2020, clade 2.3.4.4b of H5N1 has caused extensive mortality in birds and PAHO said with the virus now detected in 22 countries on three continents, including mammal outbreaks reported in the Americas to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), it is clear that the threat goes beyond the poultry sector.

Since 2003, WHO has received reports of 991 human H5N1 cases, with a case-fatality rate of 48 per cent, in 25 countries worldwide.

PAHO, in collaboration with WOAH and FAO, urges countries to strengthen animal and human surveillance in affected areas; reinforce biosecurity protocols; enhance intersectoral coordination; and ensure integrated analysis of epidemiological and virological data.

Countries are also urged to actively monitor populations at higher risk of exposure, including poultry and backyard farmers, veterinarians, farm workers, and those involved in wildlife management, to identify early clinical signs such as respiratory illness, conjunctivitis, or neurological symptoms.

PAHO is also emphasizing the need to enforce strict biosecurity measures and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in farms, laboratories, and health facilities.

The update reiterates that there is no evidence the virus can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, and stresses the importance of having strong detection, reporting, and response mechanisms in place for new outbreaks or suspected cases.

Avian influenza is caused by certain subtypes of the Influenza A virus, which primarily affect birds, although they can occasionally infect mammals, including humans. These viruses are classified into subtypes based on their surface proteins-hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N)-such as H5N1 or H5N2.

Wild aquatic birds are the main reservoir and can transmit the virus to domestic poultry, leading to outbreaks that impact animal production.

Avian influenza viruses are also classified into genetic clades, which represent evolutionary lineages defined by specific mutations in their genome.

President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Daniel Best, says Africa and the Caribbean stand at a ‘similar crossroads’ and that partnership, discipline, and ambition can unlock capital at scale and deliver development that endures.

Addressing the African Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days, Best is urging governments, development finance institutions (DFIs) and private investors to mobilise capital at scale through public-private partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, and strategic alliances.

Speaking on the theme ‘Bridging the Gap: Mobilizing Private Capital to Unlock Africa’s Full Potential,’ Best highlighted the shared challenges and opportunities facing Africa and the Caribbean.

He said these include narrow fiscal space, climate vulnerability, and persistent infrastructure gaps, calling for bold, imaginative collaboration to transform these constraints into investable opportunities.

‘Capital is a means, not an end. Infrastructure becomes development only when it improves lives-making societies more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient. Well-structured partnerships deliver more than assets; they deliver confidence, jobs, and growth that reach communities,’ Best said.

The CDB president underscored the catalytic role of DFIs in shaping investment ecosystems, citing examples such as Dominica’s geothermal energy project and regional risk-pooling mechanisms like the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility CCRIF).

He said that blended finance and PPPs are essential tools for crowding in private capital and accelerating sectors critical for long-term competitiveness.

‘Africa and the Caribbean stand at a similar crossroads. Our challenges may be significant, but together our potential is far greater. With partnership, discipline, and ambition, we can unlock capital at scale and deliver development that endures.’

Best called for deeper Africa-Caribbean collaboration in project preparation, PPP structuring, and climate resilience investment, noting that platforms like the AIF provide an unparalleled opportunity to align stakeholders and scale proven models.

The African Investment Forum has brougt together leading international voices to accelerate investment in critical sectors such as energy, transport, and healthcare.

The discussions underscored the transformative role of DFIs in de-risking projects, structuring investment products, and creating confidence for private investors – affirming that collaboration and disciplined design are key to bridging the financing gap and delivering sustainable growth for Africa and the Caribbean.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is warning miners to comply with all applicable laws or face the consequences, reiterating an earlier warning by President Irfaan Ali of enforcement action with respect to mining operations found to be in breach of the mining regulations.

Ali had warned that action would be taken against miners found to be conducting business contrary to the good practice, especially where the accounting for gold production, environmental stewardship and the employment of undocumented persons are concerned.

GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison, said the Commission is giving notice, that the mining legislation and associated laws and policies, which govern the mining sector, are applicable to all, throughout the country.

He said this includes all communities and villages, as well as those which reside within Amerindian Titled Lands where such communities are desirous of having mining as an economic venture.

He said that the GGMC is prepared to extend to all stakeholders the necessary guidance towards the application for and issuance of the prescribed documentation, which permits legitimate mining operations with legally registered equipment and the use of the proper recording stationery to provide accountability for gold produced and sold.

‘Thirdly, the GGMC gives notice that all gold recovered from mining is required to be sold to legitimate purchasers such as the Guyana Gold Board; Licenced Gold Dealers and Licenced Traders. Any gold sold otherwise, constitutes an illegal act for which such gold can be detained, charges made and assets seized,’ he warned.

Dennison said that the GGMC is mindful that there continues to be lower than expected declaration for gold even though very favourable prices prevail and the level of mining throughout Guyana’s Mining Districts has been intensified.

‘This is an unsatisfactory situation, especially where the effects of poor environmental stewardship are prevalent despite the significant efforts by the GGMC to engage, educate and enforce as necessary within the sector.’

Dennison said that in keeping with the directions outlined by President Ali on this subject and in coordination within the Ministry of Natural Resources, ‘the GGMC will escalate its collaboration with other related state agencies to arrest the observed lawlessness by some who are exploiting the mineral resources of Guyana without contributing the proper returns that are due to the state and people of Guyana.

‘The GGMC calls upon all throughout the mining sector to be responsible operators or be subject to the full effect of the law.,’ Dennison added.

The National Housing Trust (NHT) says contributors and mortgagors who remain unsure of how to begin their recovery journey after Hurricane Melissa are being encouraged to connect with the Trust for support.

Hurricane Melissa slammed into the country on October 28, killing 42 people and leaving damage estimated at nine billion US dollars.

NHT manager for Customer Relations Management, Shara Luke Cooper, says the organisation recognises the emotional and financial strain many families continue to face nearly a month after the passage of the powerful category-five hurricane.

‘We understand the circumstances, and we want these persons to take some time to breathe then reach out to us. We can hold their hand through this recovery process,’ Mrs. Luke Cooper said.

She told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank that NHT teams are actively visiting communities, making it easier for individuals to engage staff, ask questions, and receive guidance.

The Trust has implemented a comprehensive set of disaster-response measures aimed at assisting contributors and mortgagors whose homes or livelihoods have been affected by the recent hurricane.

These include a Hurricane Relief Loan that offers up to J$3.5 million (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) to homeowners, a Special Disaster Grant of up to J$500,000 and a Moratorium on Mortgage Payments for six months.

It said that people who suffered damage can also file peril insurance claims.

Mrs. Luke Cooper also urged individuals to visit the NHT’s website to access application resources and guidance on the disaster relief initiatives. Additionally, Jamaicans can help neighbours and relatives to submit applications, if affected persons are unable to do so themselves.

NHT assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, said the Trust’s disaster relief initiatives are inclusive and are designed to benefit a wide range of individuals, including current contributors, mortgagors, former mortgagors and pensioners.

‘And if for any reason they’re in a niche area and feel that none of these initiatives are somehow reaching them, [we want them] to reach out to us and let us know the kind of support that we can provide,’ Berbick said.

He said that the NHT remains flexible in adjusting its processes and requirements where possible, noting that the organisation is committed to helping Jamaicans recover ‘and recover well’ as the country continues to rebuild in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says J$10 million will be allocated to each of the island’s 63 constituencies to kick-start the national clean-up exercise post-Hurricane Melissa.

He said J$150,000 will also be allocated to each councillor in each constituency.

Holness told Parliament that the allocation is not just routine, seasonal maintenance, but instead ‘will neatly dovetail into a broader programme of cleaning and debris management’ and that additional funding will be provided to the 16 most-affected constituencies.

‘Beyond these parishes, other severely affected communities islandwide will also be targeted,’ Holness said, noting that his administration is targeting the resources to the areas of greatest need.

He said the programme will employ between 100 and 200 people per constituency in the 16 hard-hit constituencies and the Social Development Commission will oversee the recruitment, training, and organisation of work teams.

‘Our aim is to ensure that all workers are properly documented, are supported to open a bank account where needed, and receive basic training in the safe handling and disposal of debris and waste.

‘This is part of a wider effort to formalise labour, strengthen social protection, and uphold decent work principles even during an emergency,’ he added.

The executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC),José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, says the region faces three development traps that limit its ability to move towards a more productive, inclusive and sustainable model.

Addressing the 13th Meeting of the Statistical Conference of the Americas, he said Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) face low capacity for growth and transformation; high inequality and low social mobility and cohesion; and weak institutional capacities and ineffective governance.

‘These traps can be overcome, but doing so requires profound transformations to reorient our development model,’ he told delegates attending the meeting that ends on Thursday.

Delegates attending 13th Meeting of the Statistical Conference of the Americas, he said Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

‘We have proposed 11 major transformations for the region, which range from driving economic growth leveraged by productive development, increased productivity and job creation, to inequality reduction, progress towards gender equality, the digital transformation and the environmental big push to promote sustainability and address climate change,’ he explained.

Salazar-Xirinachs said that today’s complex and fragmented contexts, marked by rapid technological change, necessitate significant capacity for coordination, management and dialogue, noting that even the best strategies need proper implementation.

He said ECLAC is promoting a conceptual framework for analysing the capacities that states need in order to lead these transformations, known as the TOPP (technical, operational, political and prospective) capabilities.

‘These capabilities are reinforced when articulated with effective governance arrangements, with social dialogue mechanisms that increase the legitimacy of policies, and with an understanding of political economy that allows for sequencing and negotiating transformations and making them viable.

‘The production of official statistics is perhaps the clearest example of this need for integrated capabilities. Without quality data, there are no solid diagnoses and no evaluation or accountability,’ he said.

He also referred to the Beyond GDP initiative, established in 2025 by the United Nations Secretary-General and which seeks to examine the limitations of gross domestic product (GDP) as the main indicator of progress and consider alternatives that would better reflect the multidimensional nature of sustainable development, including the social, environmental and human well-being dimensions.

Salazar-Xirinachs said that GDP per capita does not capture the true structural limitations of Latin American and Caribbean development, noting that ECLAC is well-placed to support this agenda, as a regional data integrator, as a promoter of strengthened capacities and as a space for intergovernmental articulation.

‘Moving beyond GDP is not just a technical challenge, it is also a deeply political challenge. The way we measure development determines access to cooperation and financing, especially for the small island States of the Caribbean, and ultimately shows what kind of societies we want to build.’

Salazar-Xirinachs said that in an international context marked by growing budgetary and operational restrictions within the United Nations system, strengthening these intergovernmental technical spaces is more important than ever.

‘The Statistical Conference of the Americas is an example of how, even at a time of limitations, cooperation, articulation among countries and collective capacity-building can sustain significant progress,’ he added.

The conference has brought together representatives from National Statistics Offices from Latin American and Caribbean seeking to strengthen data governance in national statistical systems by promoting regulatory and institutional frameworks that can ensure technical autonomy, transparency, interoperability and sustainability in the production and use of official data.

During the meeting, delegates are expected to adopt the Strategic Plan 2026-2035 of the Statistical Conference of the Americas of the ECLAC as the regional frame of reference for guiding the strengthening, modernization and cooperation of national statistical systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The plan aims to promote the production and use of quality, comparable and accessible official statistics for the region’s sustainable development.

In addition, the meeting’ will examine the outcomes of the Conference’s Biennial Programme of Regional and International Cooperation Activities 2024-2025 and will present and approve proposals for the creation of Working Groups in the 2026-2027 biennium.

A new executive committee for the 2026-2027 period will also be elected.

A 22-year-old man who fathered a child with his 12-year-old ‘grilfriend’ will be sentenced in January next year after he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Jakyle Barry admitted guilt without a formal plea agreement when he appeared before Justice Renae McKay with his lawyer, Glendon Rolle requesting a social inquiry report to assist the judge in arriving at an appropriate sentence.

The Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Basil Cumberbatch, said that while on a Family Island, Barry began having a sexual relationship with the 12-year-old schoolgirl, who became pregnant as a result. They have a two-year-old daughter.

Barry will be sentenced on January 20, next year.

The Barbados government is moving to have the Speaker of the Parliament be elected from outside the chamber .

Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday tabled constitutional and legislative amendments marking a significant shift in how parliamentary representation and ministerial accountability operate.

The measures are also intended to allow senators with ministerial roles to participate directly in House debates.

Mottley said that it is unfair to the Member of Parliament holding the position of Speaker not to be allowed a voice and to represent their constituents in the House.

But the government has rather than follow the United Kingdom’s policy of preventing anyone from running against the Speaker in their constituency while they hold that office, it has chosen to elect a person other than a legislator to hold the apex role in Parliament.

‘When we were reflecting as to which one should happen, it was the view of the government that the more palatable way for Barbados is not to argue that no one should run against the Speaker, because we will have a hard time trying to explain that in the context of our culture.

‘But like other Caribbean islands, (it was felt) that we should move to a point where the Speaker can be elected from outside of the elected members. The Speaker will still be elected by the Parliament.’

Mottley said, obviously, if the government has the majority numbers, the government gets effectively to choose who that Speaker is, in the same way that the government will choose who the Speaker is in the current set of circumstances.

Mottley said that under the existing procedure, the current Speaker Arthur Holder, who is the parliamentary representative for St Michael Central, has not been able to participate in parliamentary debates to represent the interests of his constituents, placing him at a disadvantage compared with his fellow legislators.

She acknowledged that the majority position on the Parliamentary Reform Commission had preferred to keep the status quo, but that her administration had instead agreed with the minority position on the matter.

‘The Parliamentary Reform Commission felt that we should keep the status quo; the minority opinion felt that it should go. The government finds itself associated with the minority opinion because I have seen over 31 years in this chamber and three-and-a-half years in the other chamber, the extent to which it does put a serious hardship on speakers, because people feel you are not representing them, you are not speaking for them, not hearing you talking about them. I don’t think it is fair, and as we move forward, this is one of the things that we would wish to do.’

Mottley also said the other reason for the amendments was to give those who sat in the Senate but held ministerial positions the ‘right of audience’ in the House to address matters that directly related to their ministries.

‘Those who sit in this House have the benefit on the majority of portfolios. [and are] expected to answer the questions. However, if you are debating a matter where, for example, the minister is in. the Senate, in this instance, it might be the Ministry of Health.

‘It might be the Ministry of Energy and Business. It might be the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. Take, for example, some of the bills that are currently before this honourable Parliament, like the Human Transplant Bill.

‘The Minister of Health does not sit in here. Now, we’re lucky that in this particular instance, we have a Minister of State in the Ministry of Health. But in the other two ministries, there is no representative inside this honourable chamber for them.’

‘In such circumstances, the amendment would allow for these senators to attend Parliament and address the Lower House during debates on matters that impact their ministries,’ Mottley said.

The government on Tuesday also tabled an amendment widening constituency size variation with the difference between constituencies be allowed to move from 80 to 120 per cent to avoid almost two-thirds of the constituency boundaries being significantly altered.

Four West Indies batsmen, led by Tagenarine Chanderpaul, scored half centuries to lift their side to 346 for five at the close of play on the opening day of their two-day warmup match against a New Zealand XI here on Tuesday.

Chanderpaul made 85 before he retired out, Brandon King hit a brisk 79, John Campbell scored 68 and Kavem Hodge struck an unbeaten 55, as the West Indies’ top order got some much-needed time in the middle in their lone warmup match. Openers Campbell and Chanderpaul shared an opening partnership of 130, before Campbell was caught off the bowling of Thomas O’ Connor after facing 98 balls and hitting nine fours and one six.

Chanderpaul and King then added 77 runs before the former retired hurt. In all he faced 211 balls and struck five fours and two sixes.

King, who had been in a batting slump, then raced to 79 off just 91 balls, inclusive of 12 boundaries, before he was caught and bowled by leg spinner Rahman Hekmat.

Tevin Imlach, who made 25 and Alick Athanaze, who scored 23, both got starts but failed to push on.

However, Hodge was there until the end of play after facing 102 balls and striking five boundaries.

The St. Kitts-Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce is suggesting that the government repeal the Special Sustainability Zones Authorization Act, 2025 (SSZ) and undertake ‘extensive’ public discussions on ‘the exact nature and extent of special economic zones’.

In an 11 page letter to Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Andrew, the private sector group said that the public discussions will also allow for the ‘potential advantages and disadvantages’ of the zones, as well as outlining the ‘protections, parameters and guardrails that would be required to promote economic development.

‘Alternatively, if repeal is not considered advisable, Government should suspend the authorisation of any zone under the SSZ Act, pending the outcome of the recommended public consultations following which the legislation should be amended to provide the necessary protections and guardrails,’ according to the letter signed by the Chamber’s president, Trevor E Blake.

The private sector group said it recognises the importance of foreign direct investment for national development and acknowledges the use of special economic zones in other countries.

‘The Chamber also recognises the disadvantages of this system and the negative experience from which some countries have suffered in using this form of economic development,’ it said, noting that having reviewed the SSZ and the proposed Destiny Project in Nevis, it ‘has serious concerns about the structure and implications of this legislation and its immediate application.

‘We are very aware that our country is unique given its size, economy, population, challenges and culture. We also hold the view that the will of the people of our country is a critical factor in the adoption of this system, especially as the first zone proposed contemplates almost doubling the population of Nevis without any genuine debate on the implications,’ the Chamber said in the November 12 letter, a copy of which has been obtained by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

The private sector group said that the SSZ Act, as a mechanism for such economic development in the twin island Federation ‘is vague, general, and uncertain and as a result highly questionable.

‘Among other deficiencies it does not reflect or establish clearly defined and detailed government policies on the radically new system proposed to create special autonomous zones with separate zone laws and bylaws and with incentives and powers given exclusively to zone developers.

‘There are no legislated protections of important existing systems and laws. The Act is also silent on the protection of many important existing statutory rights of citizens. The Act does not adequately address the protection of the country’s democracy.’

The Chamber said that the uncertainty of the SSZ Act’s language raises serious questions as to the intent of the language used.

‘We are aware that the intention of Government is that each zone will be established pursuant to a development agreement made in accordance with the provisions of the Act. However, given the uncertainties described, questions could easily arise as to the compliance of provisions of a development agreement with the language of the Act.’

The private sector group said that it regards it as its duty, ‘therefore, to bring these uncertainties to the attention of Government and the public’.

It said that the government’s policy of leaving the details to be determined by individual negotiated development agreements suggests that the government is prepared to attract investment under the SSZ Act based on the vaguest of policies and purely by negotiation on a case by case basis with each potential developer.

But it argued that ‘the lack of consultation with the people on such significant legislation and the fact that some consultation is belatedly taking place after its enactment create additional justifiable suspicions.

‘The Chamber takes the view that in any event certain key guardrails should not be crossed in any development agreement,’ it said, noting that ‘these guardrails should be set out in the enabling legislation and not left to the discretion of the Government’.

The Chamber said that it remains a ‘trusted development partner and reaffirms its commitment to fostering sustainable investment and responsible economic development.

‘The Chamber, therefore, stands ready to participate in these discussions and to collaborate with Government in formulating a new regime,’ the letter added.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, Tuesday said that the regional integration grouping stands in ‘solidarity’ with the global community in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Ina message, she said that during the November 25 to December 10 period, four important days will be observed, namely the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, Human Rights Defenders’ Day on November ,29, World AIDS Day on December 1 and Human Rights Day on December 10.

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett

She said that the campaign underscores that violence denies women and girls the enjoyment of the full complement of their human rights.

‘CARICOM joins this global call to action against harmful gender norms, impunity, silence and stigma, all of which have allowed violence against women and girls to become normalized in far too many communities.

Barnett said that this year’s theme ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,’ addresses the alarming rise of digital violence against women and girls, fueled by artificial intelligence, online anonymity, and weak legal accountability.

‘Despite the internet’s potential for empowerment, women and girls now face increased threats, including cyber harassment, deepfake attacks, and relentless online abuse. UN Women reports that 1.8 billion women and girls lack legal protection from technology-facilitated abuse, with less than 40 per cent of countries having relevant laws.

‘The escalation of AI-driven abuse has made it faster, more targeted and harder to detect, with deepfake pornography disproportionately affecting women.’

Barnett said that the rise of the ‘manosphere’, a network of online communities promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny, adds to the growing threat to gender equality, saying it negatively affects the mental and physical wellbeing of both women and men, and deters women from participating in digital spaces.

‘With billions of people online, digital platforms are increasingly being used to spread hate, harmful stereotypes, reinforce sexist ideologies and portray feminism negatively among young men and boys.

‘Social media is being used to amplify these divisive messages, causing real-world impacts on attitudes and behaviours, affecting careers, shaping culture, causing fear and contributing to extreme acts of violence.’

The CARICOM Secretary General said that there is an urgent need to devise effective approaches to counteract toxic online environments.

She said multifaceted efforts must include research, policy advocacy, support for survivors, public education about gender equality and healthy relationships, youth-focused programmes, digital literacy and cultural change.

‘Emphasis should continue to be placed on legislative reform; hiring of more women in the digital space; swift removal of harmful content; and deceleration of the spread of misogynistic ideas.’

According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner. Barnett said prevalence surveys conducted between 2017-2019 in five CARICOM member states, sampling women and girls 15-64 years old, indicate incidence rates as high as one in two women.

She said the social and economic consequences are concerning, with potential costs in healthcare, legal services and lost productivity. This underscores the need for a comprehensive response in our countries.

‘CARICOM member states have been implementing measures to address violence against women and girls by promoting gender equality, strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing support systems for survivors.

‘The CARICOM Secretariat remains committed to supporting member states in developing and implementing polices to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including through facilitating training of frontline professionals, including police, healthcare workers and social service providers, to better respond to cases of gender-based violence.’

Barnett said the region is today honouring the courage of survivors, amplify their voices, and commit to remain united in the pursuit of justice and equality.

‘The eradication of violence against women is not only a moral and vital human rights imperative, but a prerequisite for sustainable development and prosperity.

‘In a region of some 16 million people, more than half of whom are women and girls, we are individually and collectively responsible for creating safe, inclusive, and equitable societies, where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence,’ she added.