Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada made a following statement on the delay of the Missing and Murdered Inuit Womens and Girls National Plan last week.
Ms Rebecca Kudloo is the President of Pauktuutit.
She says a year after the MMIWG Inquiry’s final report; it is very disappointing to find out that the National Action Plan will not be ready by June.
Victims’ families participated in the Inquiry in good faith and with a great deal of pain. They need to know that their testimony was heard and valued and that it has led to positive change.
Pauktuutit has provided recommendations to inform Inuit-specific response to the Calls to Justice and we are ready to apply our Inuit- specific co-development framework now in place to support the development of the National Action Plan with Inuit women from across Canada.
While these necessary consultations with victims’ families, women, governments and Inuit Organizations are ongoing, Pauktuutit continues to advocate for immediate investments to increase the safety and security of our women and children. This includes a commitment of Federal Funding of $20 million for the construction of five emergency shelters and transitional housing units that are desperately needed.
COVID-19 pandemic has put Inuit Women and Girls in Inuit Nunangat and urban centres at even greater risk of violence and exploitation. It is critical that the National Action Plan is delivered this year.