March 8, 2008 – AFN marks International Women’s Day
OTTAWA, March 8 – On March 8, International Women’s Day, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine and the Chair of the AFN Women’s Council, Kathleen McHugh, acknowledged the 2009 Global United Nations theme: “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls.””This year’s theme resonates strongly with First Nations communities. First Nations women and children are more likely to be victims of violence than any other segment of Canadian society,” said National Chief Phil Fontaine.
Last November, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women asked Canada to investigate the status of more than 500 cases of missing or murdered Aboriginal women that have never been fully investigated.
The AFN leaders voiced support for the committee’s call to “urgently carry out thorough investigations” to trace the reasons the justice system failed, and if racial identity played a role in their disappearances and the lack of action. Canada is due to report back to the committee in November 2009.
“Far too often First Nations women become trapped in violent situations and dangerous jobs. We have an urgent need for more shelters, but we are also calling for action that addresses the social and economic factors that can place women and children in danger. The primary factor is the staggering level of poverty that afflicts too many of our people,” said AFN Women’s Council Chair Kathleen McHugh.
There are currently only 35 shelters serving 265 First Nations communities, leaving women and children in another 368 communities without safe havens. Each year, approximately 1,900 women and 2,300 children access existing services.
Kathleen McHugh also expressed her disappointment that the current Matrimonial Real Property Bill, Bill C-8, has not adopted specific recommendations made by the AFN such as community-based solutions, investments in shelters, legal aid or housing. Instead, it proposes spending increases for the federal bureaucracy.
“The AFN is working to ensure that any legislation on Matrimonial Real Property addresses the real issues and offers real solutions to First Nations citizens and communities,” said National Chief Fontaine.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Health Communications, (613) 292-1877, kpugliese@afn.ca
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