Guterres Calls for Urgent Action to End Violence Against Women

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark reminder of the ongoing epidemic of violence against women and girls, calling it a profound disgrace to humanity. His message, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, underscores the urgent need for global action.

“The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity,” Guterres stated. “Every day, on average, 140 women and girls are killed by someone in their own family. Around one in three women still experience physical or sexual violence. No country or community is unaffected.”

The Secretary-General emphasized that the situation is worsening, exacerbated by global crises of conflict, climate, and hunger. He highlighted the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and the rising tide of online misogyny as particularly concerning.

“Crises of conflict, climate, and hunger have inflamed inequalities,” he said. “The situation is compounded by a growing backlash against women and girls’ rights. Too often, legal protections are being rolled back, human rights are being trampled, and women’s human rights defenders are being threatened, harassed, and killed for speaking out.”

Guterres praised the efforts of the UN Spotlight Initiative and the UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative, calling on all sectors of society to unite in the fight against this scourge. “The world must heed this call. We need urgent action for justice and accountability and support for advocacy,” he stated.

Reflecting on the nearly 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Guterres emphasized that progress is long overdue. “It’s beyond time to deliver,” he concluded.