The U.S. Ambassador inaugurates a U.S.-funded Women and Juveniles Facilitation Centre in Quetta
The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald A. Blome, inaugurated the one-stop Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centre (WJFC) in Quetta on 20 November 2023 in a high-level ceremony hosted at the Chief Minister House in Quetta. The WJFC is funded by the U.S. Embassy Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and established through the technical support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in coordination with the Balochistan Police and local authorities from the Government of Balochistan.
The launch ceremony took place in the presence of Inspector General of Police, Balochistan, Abdul Khalique Sheikh (PSP) and Country Representative for Pakistan, UNODC, Jeremy Milsom, along with a cross-section of senior officers and stakeholders from the rule of law sector in Balochistan.
The Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centre underscores the collective commitment of the Government of Balochistan towards creating safer spaces for survivors of gender-based violence.
The Country Representative for Pakistan, UNODC, Jeremy Milsom stated
“UNODC has so far established two similar facilities in Punjab that are successfully supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. This Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centre is modelled on the global standards of providing protection and safeguard services to vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and juveniles who are often victims of violence. We express our deepest gratitude for INL’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of GBV survivors.”
The in-charge of the WJFC, Pari Gul Tareen who is also the first female Assistant Superintendent Police in Quetta – provided a guided tour to the U.S. Ambassador and the visiting delegation from the INL. She shared
“WJFC is a great step forward in addressing GBV issues in Balochistan. I hope we are able to replicate this intervention across the province to ensure every survivor finds the support they deserve.”
The Centre is fully equipped and easily accessible to offer inclusive and all-encompassing gender and GBV-sensitive services, including first aid, counselling, legal advice, psychosocial support and referrals for access to shelter, legal aid and protection.
In addition, the WJFC also provides a host of dedicated facilitation services to women such as character certificate, police verification, learner driving license, driving license renewal, etc.
The WJFC will go a long way to provide a safe haven for those affected by violence, fostering a culture of compassion and justice in Balochistan.
Sub Editor: Arslan M