We are saddened to hear of the sudden loss of anti-gender based violence activist Tamsyn Elaine Allison.  We are profoundly saddened and pay our deep respects to your husband, children, family and community at this time.  We mourn with you.

Tamsyn  changed lives with her activism, she spoke out where many could not, she brought light to those in darkness.  She spearheaded collective actions and undertook  vigils in Durban.   She was a strong leader and mentor at  Rise Up Against Gender Based Violence  and is well remembered for spearheading the South African campaign against Gender Based Violence in Durban City Hall in September 2019.

Your work will be remembered – the loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind.  Love is the way you live on after you are gone.  Rest in Peace and Love Tamsyn

Source:  Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

During a state of emergency, some limitations on human rights may be unavoidable — but any restrictions must be necessary,  justifiable, proportionate and time-bound.

The emergency measures passed by the Victorian Parliament last week are necessary to protect the health and safety of all Victorians, but they’re also likely to impact human rights. We’re recommending the establishment of an independent committee to scrutinise these emergency measures and the government’s response. It’ll be essential for maintaining public confidence and transparency.

To view full article click here

This arrived from the IWHC …

On the day we would have gathered for IWHC’s Annual Dinner, join us online for a special film premiere celebrating our 2020 Joan B. Dunlop Honoree: Noelene Nabulivou. Be the first to see Noelene’s story and learn about her work advancing the health and rights of women, girls, LGBTQI people, and those most marginalized during times of crisis. While we can’t gather in person this year, we hope you’ll join our community online and celebrate the power and importance of women’s movements at this critical time.

Watch the Trailer

Set a Reminder for the Online Premiere

IWHC Joan B. Dunlop Award 2020
Noelene Nabulivou, Fiji

Françoise Girard
President, IWHC

2020 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development ramps up response to COVID-19 – Virtual meeting

WHEN:  10:00 A.M., 23 April 2020

WHERE:  Virtual Meeting (Live on webtv.un.org)

ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development will hold an informal virtual meeting, at 10 a.m., New York, 23 April 2020

The President of ECOSOC will convene a high-level virtual meeting to advance bold and concerted global action to address the immediate socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 and finance a quick, inclusive and resilient recovery.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to immense suffering for people across the globe. No nation is being spared by its devastating multi- dimensional impacts. The global health crisis has triggered economic and financial shocks, exposing and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and inequalities.

Over the past two weeks, the entire UN membership has come together under the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development to chart a programme of action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, restore sustainable growth and put the global economy on a more sustainable path.

The programme of action (also serving as the outcome of the Forum), if adopted, represents the first universally agreed UN set of policies to finance COVID-19 response and recovery. The policy package aims to boost concessional finance for the most vulnerable countries, reduce debt vulnerabilities, facilitate smooth flows of essential goods and supplies, and align the massive relief investment with the 2030 Agenda.

The April 23 meeting, held under the auspices of the FFD Forum, will provide an opportunity to acknowledge these efforts as well as the solidarity and resolve of the entire UN membership in addressing the financing needs due to the COVID-19 crisis.

WHO:

• President of ECOSOC Mona Juul
• UN Secretary–General António Guterres
• UN General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande
• Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Board Chair, GAVI
• Ms. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Board Chair, Action Aid International
• Mr. Jay Collins, Vice Chairman, Banking, Capital Markets and Advisory, Citigroup

Background:

The FfD Forum, now in its fifth year, is a global platform for policy and action to finance the SDGs, convening Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs and Development and Central Bank Governors, along with the heads of UN agencies, the World Bank and the IMF. The Forum has universal participation of 193 UN member states and permanent observers. The Forum’s outcome document contains policies and commitments to finance the SDGs, taking into account the trends and progress in development finance outlined in the latest Financing for Sustainable Development Report.