United Nations in Türkiye

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Türkiye:

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22 October 2025

The United Nations at 80: Türkiye’s Enduring Support for Multilateralism Highlighted at High-Level Panel

The United Nations in Türkiye convened a high-level panel discussion titled “The United Nations at 80: How Türkiye’s Support for the UN and Multilateralism Advances Global Peace and Development” to mark the 80th anniversary of the Organization and reaffirm Türkiye’s commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development.The panel moderated by Yasser Hassan, Director of the ILO Office for Türkiye featured Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye; Ambassador Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Rahman Nurdun, Vice President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA); and Ms. Hilal Gedik, Youth Representative and President of the Capital Youth Assembly.The event brought together nearly 200 participants, including senior representatives from the Government of Türkiye, the diplomatic community, international institutions, academia, the private sector, UN Country Team members, UN staff, civil society, and youth.The panel aimed to reflect on the enduring relevance of the United Nations at 80, examine how renewed commitment to multilateralism can address emerging global challenges, and showcase examples of successful cooperation between Türkiye and the UN. It also provided a platform for youth voices and new perspectives on the future of global cooperation. Opening the event, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi recalled the founding moment of the United Nations:“Eighty years ago, in a world scarred by war, leaders made a choice: cooperation over chaos, law over lawlessness, peace over conflict. That choice gave birth to the United Nations—not as a dream of perfection, but as a strategy for survival.”Dr. Ahonsi underlined that the UN, at its best, is “a bridge connecting people, ideas, and generations in pursuit of common goals,” adding that the commemoration of UN80 is both a celebration of past achievements and a moment to renew the Organization’s promise for future generations.He highlighted Türkiye’s role as a founding member of the UN and a strong supporter of multilateralism since 1945. From hosting the United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries to its leadership in humanitarian response and regional peace efforts, Türkiye continues to exemplify how international cooperation translates into tangible progress.The discussion, focused on how renewed global solidarity can help address today’s crises — from conflicts and climate change to technological disruption and inequality. Moderator of the panel Hassan, highlighted the continued importance of collective action in addressing global challenges. “If we put things together, there seems to be a meaningful answer,” said Hassan. “The question is whether multilateralism and international cooperation are the preferred options for addressing the global challenges ahead of us. The answer is yes.” Ambassador Levent Gümrükçü, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Türkiye’s long-standing commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism as central pillars of its foreign policy. He noted that the UN, as the most inclusive and legitimate platform for global dialogue, continues to play a vital role in addressing today’s complex and interconnected challenges.Ambassador Gümrükçü underlined that Türkiye’s approach to foreign policy has always been grounded in dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law — principles that lie at the heart of the UN Charter. He pointed out that global crises such as climate change, food insecurity, and humanitarian emergencies demonstrate that no country can act alone and that strengthening multilateral institutions remains essential for collective progress.“Türkiye believes that global challenges require global solutions,” he said. “Our partnership with the United Nations is built on this understanding. From peacekeeping to humanitarian aid, from sustainable development to disaster response, we see the United Nations as an indispensable partner. We will continue to strengthen our cooperation for the benefit of all.”He also emphasized Türkiye’s active role in UN processes, including its contributions to peace operations, humanitarian diplomacy, and international development efforts, noting that Türkiye’s engagement reflects both its global responsibility and its commitment to building a more peaceful and equitable world. Dr. Rahman Nurdun, Vice President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), highlighted the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable development. He noted that Türkiye, through its development cooperation efforts and humanitarian initiatives, works closely with the UN system to support communities in need across different regions.“Through solidarity and practical cooperation, we can make development more inclusive and leave no one behind,” Dr. Nurdun added.Representing the voice of youth, Hilal Gedik, President of the Capital Youth Assembly, called for stronger youth participation in global decision-making. “Today’s young people are not just future leaders—they are active changemakers. We want to contribute to shaping a fairer, more sustainable and peaceful world, together with the United Nations,” she said.During the panel Dr. Ahonsi also spoke about the UN80 initiative, a system-wide reform effort launched by the UN Secretary-General to make the Organization more agile, effective, and accountable in responding to global challenges. He emphasized that at a time when the world is undergoing rapid transformations and questions about the relevance of multilateral institutions are on the rise, this initiative seeks to renew trust in the United Nations and strengthen its capacity to deliver for people everywhere.“There are already concrete proposals on the table to turn today’s crises into opportunities — to ensure that the UN works better for the peoples of the world,” he said.Highlighting the UN’s role in tackling major global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and food market stability, Dr. Ahonsi underlined that the success of these reform efforts depends greatly on the active engagement and leadership of Member States.“Countries like Türkiye play a crucial role in ensuring that the reform agenda delivers real impact,” he added, expressing his appreciation for the participation of young people in the discussion as “a vital sign of hope and renewal” for the future of multilateralism. The event concluded with a shared message of hope and determination to carry forward the spirit of multilateralism that has defined the UN for the past 80 years.As Secretary-General António Guterres reminded in his UN Day message: “Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone. On this UN Day, let’s stand together and fulfil the extraordinary promise of our United Nations. Let’s show the world what is possible when ‘we the peoples’ choose to act as one.”

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24 December 2025

Yasemin Gezici, the story of a woman who found her sense of purpose in life at the Adana Women’s Life Centre

After the 2023 earthquakes, women and girls across the affected region saw their daily lives profoundly disrupted. Safe spaces became scarce, access to psychosocial support was limited, and essential services were often out of reach. In this difficult period, women’s organizations played a vital role in helping women reconnect with life and with one another. One such response was the establishment of the Women’s Life Centre, established in Adana by the Association for Women’s Freedom and Equality (KÖVED), a partner of UN Women. Yasemin Gezici says her life began to change the moment her path crossed with the Adana Women’s Life Centre. Now 33 and a mother of two, she says that only after coming to the centre that she fully realized the weight of the invisible burden she had been carrying for years.Born as the eldest daughter of a family originally from Mardin, Yasemin Gezici grew up in a family where marriages between close relatives were common and where responsibilities were placed on her from an early age. Although she earned a university degree in public administration, her marriage in 2016 and the birth of her two children gradually pulled her away from working life. Over time, her world became increasingly confined to the home.For years, Gezici says she lived with feelings of loneliness, exhaustion, and worthlessness. Caring for her children and managing household responsibilities left her disconnected from social life and with little space for herself. When her connection to the outside world was nearly severed, she discovered the Women’s Life Centre near her home.The Centre soon became a turning point for Gezici. For the first time in years, she found a space where she could breathe, speak openly, and feel understood. Gezici began attending training sessions on women’s health, child marriage, violence, rights, and access to public services. Each session, she says, opened a new window. “For example, I didn’t know that boys also need cancer screening. That was a big realization for me, especially for my son. I learned how breast cancer can be detected through self-examination, how reproductive health tests are done… I learned all of it,” says Gezici.One topic that affected her most was the prevalence of child marriage and marriages between close relatives in the region. For the first time, she learned about the long-term impacts of these practices on women’s health, education, and safety - practices that had long been normalized in her community.“Lack of education, early marriage, girls being taken out of school - all of these things devalue women. Now I can explain this to the women around me,” she says. Gezici says she felt especially supported by Nefel Turga, a staff member at the centre. The environment that brought women together at the centre also touched the lives of the women around Yasemin Gezici. “Once I started going, I began to socialize again. I laughed, I talked. Then my mother, my cousins, my aunts started coming with me. We all have our own stories. When we talk, we realize we are not alone,” she says.The Women’s Life Centre played a defining role in helping Gezici reconnect with life. She witnessed firsthand the healing power of solidarity among women. Today, she’s not only a participant at the centre but also an active volunteer. As a health mediator for girls, she shares what she has learned with women in her neighbourhood, raises awareness, and helps more women join the centre. The journey that began at the Women’s Life Centre has allowed Yasemin to carry hope for herself and for the women around her.Implemented by the Association for Women’s Freedom and Equality (KÖVED) and Women’s Coalition in cooperation with the Adana Metropolitan Municipality Department of Women and Family Services, the Adana Women’s Life Centre reaches hundreds of women each month. It provides inclusive and accessible spaces for women, girls, and their families, offering psychosocial and legal counselling services, empowerment-focused workshops, skills-building activities, and community gatherings. The centre also offers facilities such as laundry areas, kitchens, children’s playrooms, and counselling spaces, equipped with essential equipment and furnishings provided by UN Women through the “Women’s and Girls’ Lifesaving Access to Protection Services in the Aftermath of the Earthquake” project, implemented with the financial support of the Government of Japan. This support helped meet the high demand from local communities and ensured the sustainable operation of the centre. KÖVED also operates another Women’s Life Center in Samandağ, Hatay, in cooperation with the Samandağ Women’s Solidarity Foundation.

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22 December 2025

As Türkiye Prepares to Host COP31, A Look Back at COP30’s Key Outcomes

As Türkiye prepares to host COP31, the outcomes of COP30 set the stage for the next phase of global discussions on climate action and the energy transition. The decisions taken in Belém deliver important advances in scaling up climate finance, accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and operationalizing the loss and damage fund, while the absence of a clear commitment on phasing out fossil fuels highlights the ongoing challenges in global climate negotiations.Key outcomes of COP30COP30 concluded with a wide-ranging package that aims to reshape global climate action in the coming decade. Countries agreed to:Mobilize USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate action;Double adaptation finance by 2025 and triple it by 2035;Operationalize and set replenishment cycles for the loss and damage fund;Launch the Global Implementation Accelerator and the Belém Mission to 1.5°C;Address climate disinformation for the first time in COP history by promoting information integrity and countering false narratives.While many parties had pushed for explicit language on a fossil fuel phase-out—supported by more than 80 countries—the final text only references the UAE Consensus from COP28, which calls for a “transitioning away from fossil fuels.” Earlier drafts that included a formal roadmap were removed during the final hours of negotiation.A turning point for implementationAfter two weeks of intense discussions, the adopted outcome focuses heavily on enabling countries to deliver their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans. The inclusion of climate disinformation reflects growing recognition that false narratives undermine science-based policy and public trust.Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opened COP30 by calling it “the COP of truth,” and the final decision echoes this message, particularly through its commitments to transparency and science-driven action.Roadmaps announced by the COP30 PresidencyCOP30 President André Corrêa do Lago acknowledged that expectations for stronger commitments on energy transition were not met. In response, he announced that Brazil will develop two roadmaps during its COP presidency:one to halt and reverse deforestation, andone to ensure a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, supported by adequate finance and planning.Challenging negotiationsThe path to consensus was disrupted by protests from Indigenous groups demanding stronger environmental protections and by a fire at the conference venue that temporarily halted talks. Negotiators worked through the final night to craft a politically viable agreement emphasizing solidarity, finance and accelerated implementation.UN leadership perspectivesFrom the G20 Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the progress but warned that “COP30 did not deliver everything that is needed.” He stressed that overshooting 1.5°C remains a real risk without deep, rapid emissions cuts and large-scale climate finance.UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell emphasized that despite turbulent geopolitical conditions, 194 nations “kept humanity in the fight for a livable planet.” He pointed to the “irreversible” global shift toward low-emissions development, noting that renewable energy investments now outpace fossil fuels two to one.Beyond negotiated outcomes: Action Agenda momentumThe COP30 Presidency also highlighted strong voluntary commitments, including:Tropical Forests Forever Fund: USD 5.5 billion raised, with 20% allocated directly to Indigenous Peoples;Belém Health Action Plan: First global initiative on climate-related health risks, supported by USD 300 million;UNEZA Alliance: Annual pledges of USD 66 billion for renewable energy and USD 82 billion for transmission and storage;A coalition of cities, regions and companies collectively reducing more than 850,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024.Countries also agreed to design a just transition mechanism to enhance cooperation, technical support and capacity-building.As preparations for COP31 advance, Türkiye and Australia have agreed on a shared leadership model that will shape the year ahead. Under the arrangement, Türkiye will serve as COP31 President and host the Conference in 2026, while appointing a representative of Australia as President of Negotiations, who will lead all negotiation processes and hold exclusive authority over the talks. Türkiye will oversee all hosting responsibilities, communications, and the COP31 Action Agenda, and will appoint both the UN High-Level Climate Champion and the Youth Champion proposed by Australia. Australia, together with Pacific island countries, will lead the Pre-COP in the Pacific, steer negotiation mandates throughout the year, convene consultations, and develop draft negotiating texts. Both countries will work closely—with strong involvement from Pacific island states—to advance the Action Agenda, including a dedicated COP31 session on climate finance for Small Island Developing States and support for the Pacific Resilience Facility.

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21 December 2025

Gaza famine pushed back, but millions still face hunger and malnutrition, UN says

Food security in Gaza has improved since the ceasefire declared in October, pushing back famine conditions, but the situation remains critical with more than three-quarters of the population still facing acute hunger and malnutrition, a new UN-backed analysis has found.According to the latest IPC report – a global tracking of malnutrition and food insecurity – no areas of Gaza are currently classified as being in famine (IPC Phase 5), following improved humanitarian and commercial access after the 10 October ceasefire. However, nearly the entire Gaza Strip remains in emergency (IPC Phase 4), with hundreds of thousands of people still experiencing very high acute malnutrition rates.Between mid-October and the end of November, around 1.6 million people – roughly 77 per cent of the population analysed – faced crisis-level hunger (Phase 3) or worse. This included more than 500,000 people in emergency (Phase 4) and over 100,000 people in catastrophe (Phase 5), the report said.Gains ‘perilously fragile’UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the latest findings show progress, but warned that the gains remain “fragile – perilously so.”“Famine has been pushed back. Far more people are able to access the food they need to survive,” he told reporters at UN Headquarters, in New YorkHe added, however, that 1.6 million people in Gaza – more than 75 per cent of the population – “are projected to face extreme levels of acute food insecurity and critical malnutrition risks.”The IPC analysis projects that through mid-April 2026, around 571,000 people will remain in emergency conditions, while approximately 1,900 people are expected to continue facing catastrophe-level hunger. Under a worst-case scenario – including renewed hostilities or a halt in humanitarian and commercial inflows – the entire Gaza Strip could again face famine.Malnutrition major concernMalnutrition remains a major concern, particularly among children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Nearly 101,000 children aged six to 59 months are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition through mid-October 2026, including more than 31,000 severe cases. An estimated 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also projected to require treatment.While food aid has increased, the report stresses that assistance is largely meeting only basic survival needs. Health services, water and sanitation systems, housing and livelihoods remain badly damaged, leaving families vulnerable – particularly during winter.Click here for the report.‘Truly durable’ ceasefire needed“Families are enduring the unendurable,” Mr. Guterres said, describing children sleeping in flooded tents and buildings collapsing under heavy rain and wind.He said humanitarian teams are preparing more than 1.5 million hot meals daily, reopening nutrition centres and restoring water and health services, but warned that needs continue to grow faster than aid delivery.“We need a truly durable ceasefire,” he said, calling for more crossings into Gaza, fewer restrictions on critical supplies, safe routes within the Strip, sustained funding and unimpeded humanitarian access.The IPC report underscores that without sustained and expanded access, continued aid and the rebuilding of essential infrastructure, Gaza’s food security situation could rapidly deteriorate again, with long-lasting consequences for an already traumatized population.

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12 December 2025

The World Faces Growing Thirst: Water Use Rises as Resources Shrink

Pressure on freshwater resources is growing as demand increases in regions marked by scarcity, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in a report published on December 12.It provides an update on renewable water availability, which refers to the amount of freshwater that is replenished each year in rivers and aquifers through precipitation.Renewable water availability per person has declined by seven per cent over the past decade – from 5,326 to 5,719 cubic metres (m3), according to the 2025 AQUASTAT Water Data Snapshot.Regions such as Northern Africa, Southern Asia and Western Asia have the lowest freshwater resources per capita, with Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Yemen ranking among top countries with lowest total renewable water.Increase in freshwater withdrawalSeveral regions have also seen an increase in freshwater withdrawals in recent years, which is adding to the strain on already stressed river basins and aquifers.“Northern Africa saw the largest increase, with freshwater withdrawals rising by 16 per cent,” the report said.Most withdrawals globally, nearly 70 per cent, were from surface water sources, while 23 per cent came from groundwater.Water for agriculture Agriculture remains the largest water-using sector, accounting for some 72 per cent of freshwater withdrawals globally. The industrial and service sectors followed at 15 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively.Sixty-six countries allocated more than 75 per cent of their total freshwater withdrawal to agriculture.For Afghanistan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mali, Nepal, Somalia and Sudan the figure was 95 per cent.Shift in availability and demandThe report also shows how water availability and demand are shifting across regions.This includes North Africa, where freshwater availability per head remains among the lowest globally, while withdrawals have increased by 16 percent over the past 10 years. In Western Asia - which for the report includes most Middle Eastern countries - rapid demographic growth and agricultural demand are contributing to increased pressure on limited supplies. Irrigation and efficiencyThe report also highlights wide disparities in irrigation and water-use efficiency in cultivated land.“In parts of Latin America and Asia, irrigation supports a large share of crop production, whereas in sub-Saharan Africa irrigated cropland represents only a small fraction of total cultivated land, reflecting persistent gaps in access to water infrastructure,” FAO said.At the national level, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, and Uzbekistan reported the highest irrigation coverage. Over 90 per cent of cultivated land in these countries is equipped with irrigation infrastructure. In contrast, some 35 countries – mainly in sub-Saharan Africa – had less than one per cent of cultivated land under irrigation.

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26 November 2025

Türkiye and the United Nations Sign the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030

The Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the United Nations signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030, on 26 November 2025 in Ankara, which will guide the UN’s development cooperation in the country over the next five years.The signing ceremony, brought together government representatives, public sector, the diplomatic community, UN agencies, and international organizations. In his opening speech, UN Resident Coordinator in Türkiye Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi highlighted the UNSDCF 2026–2030 as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Türkiye and the United Nations. He noted that the previous Cooperation Framework (2021–2025) unfolded during a period marked by Türkiye’s continued hosting of one of the world’s largest refugee populations, the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastating February 2023 earthquakes, and the growing effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems. Throughout these challenges, the UN worked closely with the Government of Türkiye to support national response and recovery efforts.Dr. Ahonsi emphasized that the new Cooperation Framework is fully aligned with Türkiye’s 12th National Development Plan and is structured around four strategic priorities: inclusive and equitable social development; green, resilient, and inclusive economic development; climate change, environmental sustainability, and resilience; and good governance and quality of judiciary services.He underscored Türkiye’s strong track record in addressing complex development challenges — from disaster management and migration governance to digital transformation and sustainable agriculture — and its growing role as a contributor of development expertise at the regional and global levels.At a time of tightening financial resources and increasing global needs, Dr. Ahonsi stressed the importance of innovative and strategic partnerships across government, development banks, academia, civil society, local authorities, and the private sector. Following his remarks, Mr. Selçuk Koç, Director General at the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, stated that the new Framework — prepared under the coordination of PSB with contributions from all relevant public institutions — “will significantly contribute to Türkiye’s sustainable development vision outlined in the 12th National Development Plan.”In her address, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berris Ekinci described the signing ceremony as “more than the adoption of a document,” characterizing it as a reaffirmation of Türkiye’s commitment to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation. Ambassador Ekinci reiterated Türkiye’s long-standing conviction that global challenges require global solutions, noting that climate change, inequality, protracted conflicts, demographic trends, and technological shifts demand governance systems grounded in inclusivity, adaptability, and solidarity.Highlighting Türkiye’s active role in strengthening multilateralism, she emphasized that the United Nations remains the only global intergovernmental platform where all states are represented on equal footing.She welcomed the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative as an important opportunity to modernize core UN functions and strengthen the Organization’s relevance.Ambassador Ekinci noted Türkiye’s substantial progress in regional development, green transformation, innovation, digitalization, youth policies, and social inclusion. She also underlined Türkiye’s long-standing commitment to hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations, guided by the principle that “no one should be left behind.”She stated that the UNSDCF’s four strategic priorities reflect Türkiye’s development vision and will help deepen cooperation in all areas, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness. Tom Delrue, Head of Office at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, delivered a presentation on the transition from the 2021–2025 cycle to the new Framework. He noted that the UNSDCF 2026–2030 was designed based on lessons learned from the 2021–2025 period and the development results achieved in Türkiye, and that the new cycle is structured around four key axes: social development, economic progress, environmental protection and resilience, and good governance.UNSDCF 2026–2030: A shared roadmap for joint actionDeveloped through extensive consultations with government institutions, UN entities, diplomatic missions, academia, the private sector, and civil society, the new Cooperation Framework serves as a blueprint for joint efforts toward the 2030 Agenda.It aligns with Türkiye’s national priorities with global transformations in food systems, clean energy, digital connectivity, climate resilience, social protection, and education.The Framework was formally signed by Ambassador Aylin Sekizkök, Director General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Resident Coordinator Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi and the ceremony concluded with a family photo. The UNSDCF is the UN’s highest-level strategic framework for planning and implementing development cooperation in partner countries. As a founding member of the United Nations, Türkiye continues to deepen its longstanding partnership with the Organization through this new Framework, which supports the country’s long-term vision, including Vision 2053 and its net-zero emissions pathway.

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Press Release

09 December 2025

Seven in ten women human rights defenders, activists and journalists report online violence

Geneva – 9 December 2025 – Online violence against women human rights defenders, activists and journalists has reached a tipping point, often fueling offline attacks, according to a new report released today, produced by the European Commission and UN Women’s ACT to End Violence against Women programme, in partnership with researchers from TheNerve, City St George’s, University of London and the International Center for Journalists, and in collaboration with UNESCO. Without strong countermeasures, online violence risks driving women out of digital spaces, undermining democracy and freedom of expression. The report, Tipping point: The chilling escalation of violence against women in the public sphere, shows that 70 per cent of surveyed women have experienced online violence in the course of their work. Furthermore, 41 per cent of respondents reported offline harm linked to online abuse. For women journalists, the link between online abuse and offline harm has become more concerning. In a 2020 global survey published by UNESCO, 20 per cent of women journalists associated the offline attacks or abuse they experienced with online violence. In the new 2025 survey – conducted by the same researchers and presented in this report – that share of journalists and media workers has more than doubled to 42 per cent.“These figures confirm that digital violence is not virtual – it’s real violence with real-world consequences”, said Sarah Hendricks, Director of Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division at UN Women. “Women who speak up for our human rights, report the news or lead social movements are being targeted with abuse designed to shame, silence and push them out of public debate. Increasingly, those attacks do not stop at the screen – they end at women’s front doors. We cannot allow online spaces to become platforms for intimidation that silence women and undermine democracy.”“This data shows that in the age of AI-fueled abuse and rising authoritarianism, online violence against women in the public sphere is increasing. But what’s truly disturbing is the evidence that women journalists’ experience of offline harm associated with online violence has more than doubled since 2020 – with 42 per cent of 2025 survey participants identifying this dangerous and potentially deadly trajectory”, said Professor Julie Posetti, lead researcher and Director of TheNerve’s Information Integrity Initiative. The report also finds that close to one in four surveyed women human rights defenders, activists and journalists have experienced AI-assisted online violence, such as deepfake imagery and manipulated content. Writers and public communicators (e.g., social media content creators and influencers) who focus on human rights issues face the highest exposure, at 30 per cent.The report comes as the world wraps up the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about digital violence, with calls for stronger laws and policies to recognize technology-facilitated violence against women as a human rights violation; robust regulation and accountability for tech companies; safety protocols and support systems for women human rights defenders, activists, journalists; and investment in research and data to monitor trends, understand intersectional impacts, and inform evidence-based policy and practice. UN Women will close the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign with a corporate strategy to prevent and respond to technology-facilitated violence against women, focused on strengthening accountability, closing evidence and data gaps, accelerating prevention and survivor-centered responses, as well as building greater resilience and amplifying the voices of women’s rights movements and women leaders.For interviews, contact the UN Women media team on media.team@unwomen.orgAbout ACTThe Advocacy, Coalition Building and Transformative Feminist Action (ACT) programme, is a game-changing commitment between the European Commission and UN Women as co-leaders of the Action Coalition on Gender Based Violence (GBV), in collaboration with the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. The ACT shared advocacy agenda is elevating the priorities and amplifying the voices of feminist women’s rights movements and providing a collaborative framework focused on common priorities, strategies and actions.About UN Women
UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. As the lead UN entity on gender equality, we shift laws, institutions, social behaviours and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. We keep the rights of women and girls at the centre of global progress – always, everywhere. Because gender equality is not just what we do. It is who we are.About the Information Integrity InitiativeThe Information Integrity Initiative is a new project of TheNerve, the digital forensics lab founded by Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa. It anchors action-oriented research at the intersection of gender, disinformation, freedom of expression and public interest media.

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Press Release

25 November 2025

United Nations, Femicide Report 2024 Every 10 Minutes, a Woman or Girl Is Killed

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25 November, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women jointly released a global report emphasizing that violence against women and girls is entirely preventable, yet femicide rates remain alarmingly high.According to the report, in 2024, 50,000 women and girls were killed by an intimate partner or a family member. This figure represents approximately 60 per cent of all intentional femicides. In 2023, the number was 51,100. The observed decrease is attributed to inequalities or discrepancies in country-specific data and does not reflect a genuine reduction. Today, every 10 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by someone close to her.The report states that, on average, 137 women and girls killed every day by intimate partners or family members. In contrast, only 11 per cent of male homicides occur in private settings.Regional Overview: Africa Has the Highest Rate, Europe Remains at RiskIn 2024, Africa recorded the highest rate of intimate partner or family-related femicides, with 3 victims per 100,000 population. The Americas and Oceania follow at 1.5 and 1.4 victims per 100,000, respectively. While Asia (0.7 per 100,000) and Europe (0.5 per 100,000) reported lower rates compared to the global average, the proportion of women killed by intimate partners in Europe is striking: in 2024, 64 per cent of women killed in Europe were murdered by their intimate partners.Examples from Europe and Central Asia reveal that many women face digital forms of violence before being killed, such as catfishing, doxing, online defamation, and cross-platform harassment. Some women are killed shortly after the perpetrator is released from prison. According to UNFPA data, the situation in Türkiye is similarly concerning. One in four young internet users in Türkiye experiences digital violence, and women are 27 times more likely than men to be affected.Digital Violence Kills: Hate Online Harms OfflineThe report highlights that online violence is not merely a “virtual” threat; rather, it is a tangible form of violence that leaves women and girls highly vulnerable to physical abuse and homicide. Research from the United Kingdom indicates that 60 per cent of women killed in domestic settings were monitored online before their deaths. Women with high public profiles, such as journalists, politicians, and activists, are among the groups most exposed to digital violence. Globally, one in four women journalists and, in many regions, 1 in 3 to 4 women politicians report receiving online threats, including death threats. Digital technologies facilitate the spread of violence against women in virtual environments, and women and girls are sometimes killed as a result of images and videos shared online. In certain cases, these murders are even broadcast live on social media, revealing the direct link between digital violence and deadly real-world consequences.Women are exposed to numerous forms of technology-facilitated violence, including catfishing, doxing, cyberflashing, online defamation, cross-platform harassment, sealioning, sextortion, and the misuse of image-based content.The joint 16 Days of Activism campaign by UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) this year is themed “End Digital Violence against Women and Girls. Full Stop!” highlighting the relationship between digital and physical violence.Statement from UN Women Türkiye Country Director Maryse Guimond“This report reminds us of a clear reality: femicide is not inevitable, it is preventable. Violence often begins in the digital sphere, continues through threats, pressure, and harassment, and, without timely intervention, ends in fatal outcomes. Everyone needs practical tools for online safety. Women and girls must know how to protect their accounts, recognize abusive behaviour, report incidents quickly, and support targeted individuals. To safeguard the right to life of every woman and girl, we must take early warning signs seriously and establish robust justice and effective protection mechanisms in both online and offline spaces.”Data-Driven Policy is EssentialThe report stresses that femicide data is underreported in many countries, resulting in invisibility that demands urgent action.UN Women and UNODC continue to work with countries to implement the international statistical framework adopted in 2022.The full report is available here: https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2025/11/femicides-in-2024-global-estimates-of-intimate-partner-family-member-femicides

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Press Release

15 October 2025

Statement: Rural women rising – shaping resilient futures with Beijing+30

On this International Day of Rural Women, we call for bold action to advance the equality, rights, and empowerment of women and girls living in rural settings. Every day, they feed communities, protect the environment, and power sustainable development. Investing in them is both an act of justice and a safeguard for our shared future.For generations, women in rural settings have driven collective movements for change: mobilizing communities, influencing policies, and championing vital issues such as climate justice. Their leadership continues to build bridges between local action and global progress, even as rural areas are hit hardest by extreme poverty and food insecurity, impacting women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples the most. If current trends continue, 351 million women and girls will still live in extreme poverty by 2030.Amid these challenges, Verene Ntakirutimana’s story from Rwanda demonstrates how empowering women in rural settings creates tangible, lasting change. With support from the Joint Programme on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment, she transitioned from subsistence farming to a thriving small business. Her success shifted community attitudes: challenging stereotypes, promoting shared decision-making, and inspiring others to follow her example.This year’s theme ‘Rural Women Rising’ is both a tribute and a call to action. Advancing their livelihoods, leadership, rights, and resilience --as set out in the Beijing+30 Action Agenda-- is essential. Initiatives such as the International Year of Women Farmers in 2026 and the Inter-American Decade for the Rights of All Women, Adolescents and Girls in Rural Settings (2024–2034), as well as community movements like Women to Kilimanjaro, offer powerful opportunities to make their work visible, their voices heard, and their rights recognized.When rural women rise, fields flourish, families thrive, and societies transform, propelling us toward the vision of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the SDGs.

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Press Release

01 May 2025

Türkiye’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

GENEVA (1 May 2025) – The human rights record of Türkiye will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, in a meeting in Geneva that will be webcast live.Türkiye is one of 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session from 28 April to 9 May 2025. The first, second and third UPR reviewsof Türkiye took place in May 2010, January 2015, and January 2020, respectively.The UPR Working Group is comprised of the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN Member States can participate in a country review.The documents on which the reviews are based are: 1) national report - information provided by the State under review; 2) information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the special procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; 3) information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.The three reports serving as the basis for the review of Türkiye on 6 May can be found here.Location: Room XX, Palais des Nations, Geneva.Time and date: 9:00 – 12:30, Tuesday, 6 May 2025 (GMT+2).The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN Member States have been reviewed thrice. During the fourth UPR cycle, States are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow up on and highlight recent human rights developments in the country. The delegation of Türkiye will be led by Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Ambassador, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs.The three country representatives serving as rapporteurs (“troika”) for the review of Türkiye are Côte D’ivoire, France and Japan.The webcast of the session will be at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1k23dwgn7 The list of speakers and all available statements to be delivered during the review of Türkiye will be posted on the UPR Extranet. The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to Türkiye on Friday, 9 May 2025, between 16:00 and 18:00 (GMT+2). The State under review may wish to express its positions on recommendations posed to it during its review.// ENDS //For more information and media requests, please contact Pascal Sim, Media Officer, at simp@un.org, David Díaz Martín, Public Information Officer at david.diazmartin@un.org, and Matthew Brown, Public Information Officer, at Matthew.Brown@un.org To learn more about the Universal Periodic Review: www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/upr-main Sign up for the UN Human Rights Council Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/a3a538479938/hrc-mailshot-to-ohchr-globalFollow us on social media:Facebook | X | YouTube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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