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<p>There is compelling evidence of a surge in violence against women and girls (VAWG)
during the COVID-19 outbreak, which is deeply concerning. We know from our humanitarian
work the importance of taking a ‘no regrets’ approach: we should assume VAWG is occurring
and take action to prevent and respond to it as a lifesaving measure from the earliest
stages of the response.</p><p>DFID is working across the UK government and with global
partners to prevent violence and ensure women and girls have access to vital services.
We have provided £10 million of UK aid to UNFPA and £20 million to UNICEF to scale
up protection and support services for women and girls. We have contributed £20 million
of UK aid to UNHCR’s COVID-19 response for refugees and internally displaced people.
This response includes support for essential VAWG and child protection services. We
launched a call for proposals under our Rapid Response Facility, which required all
projects to mainstream gender, protection and safeguarding. We are also urgently reorienting
existing bilateral programmes to ensure women and girls can continue to access support
during the lockdown. In Nepal, for example, the UK has financed 14 Women’s and Children
Service Centres and 62 One Stop Crisis Centres.</p>
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