A new IOM information campaign against gender-based violence (GBV)
will target Colombians seeking international protection in Ecuador,
and the local population.

The IOM information campaign is complementing  the
Government campaign, "Wake Up Ecuador, Machismo is Violence," and
is centred in the town of San Lorenzo, in the Esmeraldas province
of northern  Ecuador  which hosts a large number of
Colombian migrants.

"IOM is partnering with Government institutions to improve the
human rights situation of women and children who are the victims of
gender-based violence," explains Rogelio Bernal, IOM Chief of
Mission in Ecuador.  "Uniting our knowledge and resources will
ensure a faster and stronger response against this crime," he
adds.

According to official figures, an estimated 83,000 women are
victims of psychological or physical abuse, including sexual
violence, each year in Ecuador.  This translates to 7,000
gender-based violence incidents per month, or 230 each day.

The campaign also includes support for clinics and protection
centres for victims, as well as workshops and trainings, to build
the capacity of local actors to respond to gender-based
violence.

Since October 2005, IOM has carried out a programme to address
the emergency situation faced by Colombians fleeing armed violence
in their country and seeking international protection.  The
programme, funded by the US Department of State's Bureau of
Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), covers Colombia's border
areas with Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.

For more information, please contact:

Ana Guzman

IOM Ecuador

Tel:  + (593-2) 225-3948

E-mail: "mailto:aguzman@iom.int">aguzman@iom.int