For information only - not an official document

UNIS/CP/948
24 November 2016

Executive Director, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Yury Fedotov:

Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

VIENNA, 25 November (UN Information Service) - In 2012, 43,600 women globally were murdered at the hands of their intimate partner or another family member. That's 119 women, on average, killed every single day or one woman murdered every 12 minutes.

These figures are harrowing and sobering in equal measure. They point to a monstrous global crime perpetrated by partners and family members who should love rather than hate, and who should protect rather than viciously assault.

Other facts lend clarity. Although only one in five murders are committed against women, around 60 per cent of homicides committed by an intimate partner or family member is against a women or girl. Some 78 per cent of all victims of intimate partner homicides are female.

This must change. It is also why the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, under Goals 5 and 16, has set targets for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, as well as steep reductions in all forms of violence and related death rates.

But reductions require transformations in mentalities and approaches. This means taking these crimes seriously in the world's police stations, and courts, as well as removing gross inequalities and acknowledging the immensely positive role of women in all our societies.

Crime is also increasingly being viewed as a roadblock to sustainable development. As a corrective, anti-crime action, including the elimination of violence against women, needs to be a central element of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

UNODC is playing its part. We are promoting global standards and supporting national efforts to prevent this crime and provide women and girls with support and protection. Improved data collection is essential to ensure that we have a better understanding of gender-related-killings.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I call on everyone to unite and to dedicate themselves to ending this despicable crime.

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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