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‘Tracking Progress, Inspiring Action Across the SADC Region’
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has a mandated role in strengthening justice systems, combating gender-based violence (GBV), and ensuring access to fair and effective legal remedies. Given the persistently high prevalence of GBV and femicide in the SADC region, UNODC’s expertise is critical in addressing systemic challenges related to justice sector accountability, survivor-centered legal processes, and law enforcement responses. The Regional Framework for Southern Africa 2024-2030 sets out how the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will contribute to peace and security, human rights and development, and the reduction of violence and inequalities within society. As such the UNODC regional office for Southern Africa, supports key activities related to its mandate in member states.
SADC Connect is an initiative developed to advance regional cooperation, and capacity-building in countering gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) across the SADC region. Recognising the urgent need for a coordinated response to GBVF and related human rights challenges, SADC Connect was created as an interactive digital platform to support and strengthen national and regional efforts. The platform provides an overview of the achievements taken in addressing GBVF by member states, three e-learning courses focused on strengthening capacity of law enforcement, prosecutors and judicial officers. By strengthening information sharing, fostering collaboration, and promoting best practices, SADC Connect is building a united regional response toward a violence-free, inclusive future for all.