EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski Calls for Collective Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, November 27, 2023
Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, H.E. Pawel Herczynski, released a video address on November 25 for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Herczynski emphasized that no one should experience any form of violence, whether at home, work, in public spaces, or anywhere else. Despite this ideal, he pointed out the unfortunate reality that one in three women globally faces violence from their partner or experiences some form of sexual violence during their lifetime. He noted that this happens regardless of a person's origin, ethnicity, culture, or religion.
The European Union, according to Herczynski, maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence. He framed gender-based violence as a severe violation of human rights and one that contradicts the core values of the EU.
The ambassador discussed the collaborative efforts with Georgian authorities to combat gender-based violence. This involves strengthening protection and prevention measures, contributing to the establishment of support services like shelters and post-shelter assistance for survivors, and actively working on awareness campaigns.
Herczynski delivered a powerful message urging people not to remain silent in the face of violence. He stressed that gender-based violence is not a private issue or exclusive to women; instead, it is a societal issue that concerns everyone in Georgia. He called for reporting instances of violence, whether at home, workplace, or online, emphasizing that reporting is crucial to breaking free from the cycle of violence.
"No one should experience any form of violence at home, at work, in a public space, or anywhere at all. But the reality is that one in three women across the globe faces violence from her partner or any other type of sexual violence during her lifespan, regardless of origin, ethnicity, culture, or religion. The European Union has a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence. This is a grave violation of human rights and the EU's core values. In Georgia, we work together with authorities to combat gender-based violence by strengthening protection and prevention. We are contributing to establishing reliable support services such as shelters and post-shelter assistance for survivors, and we are working on raising awareness, changing proper attitudes and behavior, as well as breaking gender stereotypes.
Today I have one simple yet very important message. Do not remain silent. This is not a private issue. This is not a women's issue. This is an issue for the whole of society and all of the people of Georgia. If you see violence at home, sexual harassment at work or verbal abuse online reported, it's a crime. It's the only way to break free from the cycle of violence," Herczynski said.
