The Ministry of Human Rights, in collaboration with UNFPA Pakistan and Rozan, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, has advanced efforts to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) through a series of consultations held in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These sessions culminated in the official launch of the GBV Referral Directory, a crucial resource designed to streamline access to legal, medical, psychosocial, and protection services for survivors, ensuring their safety and dignity are prioritized.
During the event, stakeholders from various sectors—including police, women police units, protection centers, hospitals, legal aid providers, shelters, human rights organizations, and civil society—discussed the importance of reinforcing survivor-centered principles, such as confidentiality, dignity, and safety. The consultations aimed to strengthen coordination among these entities, facilitating a more effective response system that is sensitive to the needs of GBV survivors.
The GBV Referral Directory is regarded as a significant tool in this framework, serving to connect survivors with essential services in a timely and secure manner. Its launch represents a targeted effort to improve the accessibility and efficiency of support networks, ensuring survivors receive comprehensive assistance in a safe environment. The sessions were chaired by Mr. Abdul Sattar, Director General of ZARRA/Helpline, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated, survivor-centric approach to addressing gender-based violence. This initiative underscores the continued commitment of the government and its partners to combat GBV and uphold the rights and dignity of survivors across the country.
