For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/1017
24 November 2017
VIENNA, 25 November 2017 (UN Information Service) - Women and girls across the world continue to confront ferocious violence, discrimination, harassment and even murder.
For these victims, living in every country and drawn from every section of society, life is often filled with despair and misery.
The scars of violence are not always visible. Brutal force and power applied in the pursuit of abuse, exploitation and gratification create deep psychological wounds.
We must do everything possible to help the victims of this crime, which is so often committed in places of false sanctuary such as homes.
UNODC plays a crucial role: we support national efforts to prevent and end this crime, help develop global standards and work to provide much-needed support and protection to victims and survivors.
We are also undertaking research and analysis to understand why women and girls are dying at the hands of their husbands, intimate partners and near relatives.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, under Goals 5 and 16, is leading the way by calling on the world to eliminate violence against women and girls, and achieve reductions in all forms of violence and related death rates.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women, I want the women and girls suffering this vile crime to know that they are not alone.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime pledges it will continue to work with its many UN partners, Member States, civil society and academia to deliver a crucial message to the women and girls of the world: you are not forgotten.
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For further information, please contact:
David
Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
