In the framework of the South Programme IV, the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe leads an initiative which aims at strengthening the capacities of civil society in the region to improve the protection and support provided to victims of violence against women and domestic violence.

Eight civil society organisations specialised in the provision of protection services for women victims will benefit from a grant and from training on the protection of victims in the Southern Mediterranean region based on the provisions of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), as well as guidance to implement a project related to the challenges they currently face.

On the one hand, this initiative is promoting regional co-operation and exchange of good practices and on the other hand, multi-sectoral co-ordination efforts. Both human rights-based and victim-centred approaches are used as methodology to ensure that women and girls victim of violence have greater access to protection structures and services.

South Programme IV continues assisting Southern Mediterranean countries in building a common legal space together with the EU, with a focus on reforming Southern Mediterranean countries’ legislation and reinforcing their democratic governance institutions as well as accompanying reform processes. Good governance building, strengthening rule of law and respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights are strong pillars of the South Programme. Additionally, particular attention is given to activities combatting gender-based violence against women and girls.

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Press release

South Programme IV