continental initiative through the Kigali International Conference Declaration (KICD) on the Role of Security Organs in ending VAW in Africa. A foundation stone for an African Security Organs Centre for Coordination of Action to End Violence against Women and Girls (AFSSOCA) was laid in Kigali by the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon and the President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, in May 2013.The National Public Prosecution Authority has established a GBV Unit with a special department in charge of protection of victims and witnesses of GBV. 29. As point of emphasis, again the GBV desks established in the RNP, RDF and National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) have elevated many victims of GBV to a better life they had been denied by violence directed to them. Toll free telephone hotlines have been put in place for emergency reporting of crimes and accessing information through the Ministry of Health, RNP, RDF and Public Prosecution Authority. The later has also a special unit of prosecutors in charge of GBV and a department of protection of victims and witnesses. “Access to Justice Offices” have been established in each district and have GBV focal person. Sexual violence cases are given special consideration at all levels and in courts there are held in privacy to avoid stigmatization of the victim. 30. Other mechanisms established by the Government include community policing, anti-GBV and child protection committees at village level to provide an opportunity for awareness raising, gathering information and coordination anti-GBV services, Umugoroba w’ababyeyi, anti-GBV Clubs in schools composed of both girls and boys, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on GBV were developed in 2012 to guide stakeholders’ interventions in humanitarian assistance situations and refugee camps. 31. Although there are persisting patriarchal cultural beliefs that entrench discrimination and VAWG, national laws and policy frameworks outlined above provide a basis for protection and response against GBV and VAW. The IOSC and the toll free hotlines provide a channel for discreet reporting and avoiding repercussions. Government and civil Page 76 of 105