Violence against Caribbean women targeted by Chile, OAS

Chile recently contributed US$1million for social development in the Caribbean, of which $113,000 targets gender-based violence in the region.

WASHINGTON DC, USA, Friday May 11, 2012 – A Letter of Intent to strengthen capacities in the area of violence against women in the Eastern Caribbean has been signed by Chile and the Organization of American States (OAS).

Violence against women in Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines has been targeted by the initiative.

“The problem still exists, but we are working very hard to reduce it,” said OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza, who stressed that protecting women’s human rights was one of the OAS’ priorities.

 “It is very important that we continue providing technical assistance to countries to improve their legislation,” he added.

Chile recently contributed US$1million for social development in the Caribbean, of which $113,000 targets gender-based violence in the region.
 
“The ability of Caribbean countries to act together with the international community and to create a common market of 16 million people is a lesson for all of us,” said Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno.

Deborah-Mae Lovell, the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the OAS, said the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) thanked Chile for its continued assistance for social development.
 
She called the Letter of Intent “another example of the government of Chile’s partnership with the Caribbean”.

In February, Chile and CARICOM held a Joint Commission in Santiago, the second time such talks had been held.

The agreement was signed at the residence of Chilean Ambassador to the United States Felipe Bulnes. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)