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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13 January 2026

On the Road to COP31, UN Resident Coordinator Meets Türkiye’s Chief Climate Negotiator

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye, Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, met with Deputy Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister and Chief Climate Negotiator Ms. Fatma Varank on 12 January in Ankara to discuss cooperation and coordination in preparation for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), which Türkiye will host in Antalya later this year.COP31 is the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, where governments come together to advance global action on climate change.The meeting focused on establishing a framework for collaboration between the United Nations system in Türkiye and the Government as preparations for COP31 move forward. Resident Coordinator Ahonsi congratulated Türkiye on assuming the COP31 Presidency, in collaboration with Australia as President of Negotiations, and reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to support a successful, inclusive and well-coordinated conference.Resident Coordinator Ahonsi emphasized that UN support would be aligned with Türkiye’s national priorities and highlighted the importance of an inclusive, multistakeholder approach throughout the COP31 process. He noted that the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Ankara would serve as the central link between the Government of Türkiye and the United Nations system in Türkiye, ensuring coherent coordination at both national and global levels. “I am confident that Türkiye will continue to be among the leaders of global climate diplomacy in the period ahead” Ahonsi added. Deputy Minister Varank welcomed the Resident Coordinator and shared an overview of the current state of preparations, noting that coordination among relevant institutions is gaining momentum. She underlined the importance of close cooperation with international partners, including the United Nations and the Australian delegation, as preparations advance. Both sides highlighted the importance of outreach and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, including diplomatic missions, civil society, youth, and the private sector, to ensure that COP31 delivers meaningful outcomes and supports implementation beyond the conference itself.The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain close coordination in the lead-up to COP31, recognizing the conference as a key moment for advancing global climate action and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

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08 January 2026

Venezuela crisis: UN aid effort continues amid political upheaval

Venezuela’s political shock has sharpened global attention on a country already facing one of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises. For the United Nations, the priority remains unchanged: protecting lives, sustaining basic services and supporting Venezuelans at home and across the region.The backdropVenezuela has endured years of economic collapse, political instability, hyperinflation and economic sanctions from Washington, compounded by floods, landslides and other climate shocks.The recent seizure of President Nicolás Maduro by US special forces has added a new layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation.According to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, 7.9 million people — more than a quarter of the population — need urgent humanitarian assistance.A large UN footprintThe UN maintains a broad operational presence in Venezuela, with most agencies active on the ground.Work spans food security, healthcare, gender equality, education, decent work, water and sanitation, and peacebuilding.Agencies including the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO) and the reproductive rights agency, UNFPA, deliver life-saving aid and help keep essential services running — from food distributions and nutrition screenings to maternal care and clean water projects.Following the latest political developments, UN leadership in the country said it is closely assessing needs to ensure support can be scaled up if required.Human rights under scrutinyVenezuela’s human rights situation remains a core UN concern.The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) continues to monitor violations.Briefing the Human Rights Council last month, High Commissioner Volker Türk warned of deepening repression, citing increased militarisation, threats to journalists and human rights defenders, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances.UN investigators have stressed that accountability for long-documented abuses — including extrajudicial killings, torture and sexual and gender-based violence — must not be overshadowed by the current crisis.A long-running exodusIt is too early to know whether recent events will intensify the mass displacement that has unfolded over the past decade.Millions of Venezuelans have already fled repression, instability and economic hardship.Nearly half of those who have left rely on informal, low-paid work; 42 per cent struggle to afford enough food, and 23 per cent live in overcrowded housing.Regional responseThe UN refugee agency UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) coordinate a regional response across 17 countries.This effort has helped more than 4.5 million Venezuelans in Latin America and the Caribbean obtain regular status, giving access to documentation, protection and basic services.The latest regional plan seeks $1.4 billion to reach 2.3 million vulnerable people, focusing on jobs, education, healthcare and protection.The funding gapDespite reiterated UN commitment to Venezuelans’ dignity and protection, resources are stretched.In 2025, just 17 per cent of the over $600 million required for Venezuela’s Humanitarian Response Plan had been received.UN officials warn that without increased funding, aid agencies will be forced to scale back support at a moment of heightened need.Bottom line:Political turmoil may dominate headlines, but for the UN the mission is constant: keep humanitarian lifelines open, defend human rights and support Venezuelans — inside the country and beyond its borders — through an unfolding crisis with global consequences

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06 January 2026

UN Security Council divided as Venezuela crisis deepens

The UN Security Council met on 5 January against a sharply altered diplomatic backdrop, following US strikes on the Venezuelan capital and seizure of President Nicolás Maduro.Why it matters: Council members are split over whether Washington’s move upholds accountability – or undermines a foundational principle of international order. Some delegations argue the action was exceptional and justified; others warn it risks normalising unilateral force and eroding state sovereignty.Setting the tone, the UN Secretary-General cautioned that international peace and security rest on all Member States adhering to the UN Charter – language that framed a debate likely to expose deep and lasting divisions inside the chamber in New York – all as the Venezuelan leader appeared in a downtown federal courtroom just a few miles away.US: Law-enforcement operation, not warThe United States rejected characterisations of its actions as military aggression, describing the operation as a targeted law enforcement measure facilitated by the military to arrest an indicted fugitive.Ambassador Michael Waltz said:Nicolás Maduro is not a legitimate head of State following disputed 2024 elections.Saturday’s operation was necessary to combat narcotics trafficking and transnational organised crime threatening US and regional security.Historical precedents exist, including the 1989 arrest of Panama’s former leader Manuel Noriega.“There is no war against Venezuela or its people. We are not occupying a country,” he said. “This was a law-enforcement operation in furtherance of lawful indictments that have existed for decades.”Venezuela: Sovereignty violated; a dangerous precedentVenezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada described his country as the target of an illegitimate armed attack lacking any legal justification, accusing the US of bombing Venezuelan territory, the loss of civilian and military lives, and the “kidnapping” of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.“We cannot ignore a central element of this US aggression,” he said. “Venezuela is the victim of these attacks because of its natural resources.”Calling on the Council to act under its Charter mandate, he urged that:The US be required to respect the immunities of the president and his wife and ensure their immediate release and safe return;The use of force against Venezuela be clearly and unequivocally condemned;The principle of non-acquisition of territory or resources by force be reaffirmed; andMeasures be adopted to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and restore respect for international law.Concern over use of forceSeveral Council members and others invited to take part expressed deep concern over the US military action, grounding their positions firmly in the UN Charter.Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Panama, underscored their region’s long-standing declaration as a zone of peace and warned that unilateral military action risked destabilising the Western hemisphere and aggravating displacement flows.Colombia, in its first intervention as an elected Council member, rejected “any unilateral use of force” and cautioned that civilians invariably pay the highest price.Brazil said the bombing and seizure of a head of State crossed an “unacceptable line,” warning of the erosion of multilateralism.Mexico stressed that externally imposed regime change violates international law regardless of political disagreements.Ambassadors also cited a worrying human rights situation inside Venezuela and the suffering of civilians, highlighting the need to ensure compliance with international law:The United Kingdom highlighted years of suffering endured by Venezuelans – poverty, repression and mass displacement – while underscoring that respect for the UN Charter and the rule of law is essential for global peace and security.Denmark and France acknowledged the imperative to combat organised crime and protect human rights – but warned that counter-narcotics efforts and accountability must be pursued through lawful, multilateral means.Article 2 of the UN Charter in a nutshellThe ground rules for global cooperation Article 2 lays out the core principles that guide how countries work together under the United Nations. Here’s what it means:Equality for all nations: Every Member State, big or small, is treated as an equal.Keep your promises: Countries must honour the commitments they made when joining the UN.Peaceful problem-solving: Disputes should be settled without violence, to protect peace and justice.No force or threats: Nations must not use force or threaten others’ independence or territory.Support the UN’s actions: Members should help the UN when it acts to maintain peace—and never assist those opposing it.Influence beyond membership: Even non-member States should follow these principles when peace and security are at stake.Hands off domestic affairs: The UN cannot interfere in a country’s internal matters – except when enforcing peace under Chapter VII, which deals with actions to preserve international peace and security.

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05 January 2026

Story of Waste: Zero Waste Art Contest

Applications have opened for “The Story of Waste: Zero Waste Art Contest”, organized in collaboration between the Zero Waste Foundation and the United Nations Türkiye, bringing together art lovers and environmental volunteers from across Türkiye around a shared vision for a sustainable future.The contest highlights the transformative power of art as a means of raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable waste management practices, inviting participants to reflect on the journey of waste and its potential to become a resource through creativity and innovation.Aiming to make the cultural transformation vision of the Zero Waste in Action visible through art, the competition encourages the transformation of waste into aesthetic and original works of art in line with the principles of recycling, reuse, and circular economy. Addressing different types of waste such as plastic, glass, metal, paper, textiles, and wood through an artistic narrative language, the competition aims to give waste a new meaning and turn environmental awareness into a social value.Aligned with the vision of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, Founder of the Zero Waste initiative, the competition highlights zero waste as not only an environmental responsibility but also a tool for cultural, artistic, and social transformation.Through this collaboration with the United Nations Türkiye, the globally recognized Zero Waste vision is brought into the realm of artistic expression.The competition aims to strengthen environmental awareness in individuals through the universal language of art and to contribute to the spread of a sustainable living culture. The works produced within the scope of the competition will be evaluated in terms of originality, aesthetic value, innovative use of materials, and the power of their environmental message.In this regard, “The Story of Waste” offers a powerful platform for raising awareness that waste is not merely a problem in society, but can be transformed into a valuable resource with the right approach.Works Will Be Evaluated in Six Different Categories“The Story of Waste: Zero Waste Art Contest” is organized in six different categories:• Plastic Waste• Glass Waste• Metal Waste• Paper Waste• Textile Waste• Wood WasteFirst, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for each category; in addition, the “Foundation Special Award” will be presented to a work deemed appropriate by the jury.Prize Amounts:• Foundation Special Prize: 100,000 TL• Category First Place: 50,000 TL• Category Second Place: 35,000 TL• Category Third Place: 25,000 TLOpen to All Individuals Aged 15 and Over Throughout TürkiyeThe competition is open to all individuals aged 15 and over throughout Türkiye, and participants aged 15–18 can apply with parental consent. Participation in the competition is free of charge, and applications will be accepted online; preliminary evaluation will be conducted digitally. Works that make it to the finals will be evaluated by a Selection Committee consisting of experts in the fields of art, environment, and sustainability after physical delivery.“The Story of Waste Exhibition” to Meet Art LoversFollowing the evaluation process, the winning entries deemed worthy of exhibition will be presented to art lovers at the “The Story of Waste Exhibition,” organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation and the United Nations Türkiye.The exhibited works may also be used in educational, promotional, and awareness-raising activities aimed at increasing environmental awareness, as well as on digital platforms.All artists, students, and environmental volunteers across Türkiye are invited to join this meaningful journey.For the terms and conditions and application form, CLICK HERE.

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30 December 2025

UN chief urges world leaders to ‘get priorities straight’ as New Year message calls for peace over war

As the world enters 2026 amid mounting crises, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark but hopeful New Year appeal, urging global leaders to shift resources away from destruction and towards development, peace and people.“The world stands at a crossroads,” he said, warning that conflict, climate breakdown and systemic violations of international law are eroding trust in leadership worldwide.“People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act?” he said.Mr. Guterres underscored the scale of global suffering, noting that more than a quarter of humanity now lives in conflict-affected areas. Over 200 million people require humanitarian assistance, while nearly 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crises, disasters or persecution.Tweet URLAgainst this backdrop, he pointed to what he described as a profound imbalance in global priorities.“As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words: global military spending has soared to $2.7 trillion,” he said, nearly 10 per cent higher than the pervious year.That figure, he stressed, is 13 times higher than total global development aid and equivalent to the entire gross domestic product (GDP) of the African continent. If current trends continue, military spending could more than double to $6.6 trillion by 2035, even as humanitarian needs continue to rise.A path to hopeDespite the grim statistics, the Secretary-General underscored that solutions are within reach.In September 2025, he launched the report The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future. The report shows how relatively small shifts in spending could deliver transformative results.Less than four per cent of current military expenditure could end world hunger by 2030, it finds, while just over 10 per cent could fully vaccinate every child. Redirecting 15 per cent would more than cover the annual cost of climate adaptation in developing countries. “It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice,” Mr. Guterres said.Call to actionLooking ahead, he had a direct message to leaders globally.“On this New Year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail,” he urged.Addressing people everywhere, he added: “Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act.”“In 2026,” he concluded, “I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain. Let’s rise together – for justice, for humanity, for peace.”

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Children raising their hands while making peace sign with their fingers.

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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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