Source: afriqueJet
UN chief challenges African leaders to combat sexual violence - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has appealed to African male leaders to join his campaign to end violence against women, specifically rape and sexual violence in conflict.

'We must stand against all forms of violence. We especially need to speak out against rape and sexual violence in conflict,' Ban told African leaders gathered in Addis Ababa for the African Union Summit"

Praising the African leaders for championing the UN General Assembly's adoption of the first-ever resolution calling for an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the UN chief also called for support to victims of violence.

Ban had launched a global campaign urging male leaders around the world to commit to end violence against women, which has especially been more pronounced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and was widely reported in Sudan's western region of Darfur.

Ban said the tremendous improvements being made in reducing both HIV infections and AIDS deaths in  Africa were positive and would lead to sustainable development in Africa.

Meanwhile, the UN chief has warned that action would be taken against government forces supporting rape and impunity