New helpline to fight gender violence

In a significant development aimed at supporting Afghan displaced people in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a local non-governmental organization Blue Veins, with the support of The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan, has inaugurated a toll-free helpline named Marsata (0800-02828). This helpline is dedicated to providing gender-based violence (GBV) referral services, marking a critical step in aiding the vulnerable Afghan community.

GBV is a prevalent issue within the displaced Afghan community-setting, which is further exacerbated with the lack of necessary knowledge and awareness to seek help. Often, survivors and community are unaware of available resources and available services or fear stigma, leading to underreporting and a continuation of the cycle of violence.

Addressing this gap in awareness and providing accessible information is crucial for the protection and empowerment of affected individuals.

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For effective services-provision by Marsata Helpline, a comprehensive mapping of service providers was conducted to ensure effective coordination with other helplines and service providers. This meticulous groundwork ensures that the helpline is well-equipped to link GBV survivors among the Afghan displaced people to the necessary services.

At the launching ceremony organized in Peshawar, Fazal Rabbi, Director of the SSU Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa expressed that “Pakistan government and Afghan Commissionerate are devoted to enhancing protection services for the Afghan community in Pakistan, ensuring they are safeguarded from harassment, violence, and abuse.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2023.