US initiative for women in conflicts areas

The US State Secretary John Kerry announced a $10 million initiative to protect women and girls in conflicts and disasters worldwide.

This initiative, "Safe from the Start", is aimed to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in humanitarian emergencies worldwide, Xinhua reported from a state department statement Monday.

The fund of "Safe from the Start" will allow the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other humanitarian agencies and organisations to hire specialised staff, launch new programmes, and develop innovative methods to protect women and girls at the onset of emergencies around the world.

The US will also coordinate with other donors and stakeholders to develop a framework for action and accountability, the statement said.