AIDS group urges protection of women during conflict

The Society for Women Against AIDS in Africa (SWAA) says the UN and governments must do more to ensure that the rights of women and girls in conflict situations are safeguarded. To mark the recent 'International Day of Action for Women's Health', SWAA said the protection of women and children should be "the core of all conflict and post-conflict interventions". Noting the trauma experienced by most women as a result of sexual assault, and the possibility of HIV infection, SWAA executive director Gifty Baka said policies had to be instituted to reduce gender-based sexual abuse of any kind. The Pan African News Agency quoted Baka as saying: "Above all, perpetrators should be brought to face the law to serve as a deterrent to others."