UNIS/SGSM/1365
22 November 2023
Violence against women is a horrific violation of human rights, a public health crisis, and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
It is persistent, widespread – and worsening.
From sexual harassment and abuse to femicide – the violence takes many forms.
But all are rooted in structural injustice, cemented by millennia of patriarchy.
We still live in a male-dominated culture that leaves women vulnerable by denying them equality in dignity and rights.
We all pay the price: our societies are less peaceful, our economies less prosperous, our world less just.
But a different world is possible.
This year’s theme of the UNiTE campaign – “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls” – calls on all of us to take action.
Support legislation and comprehensive policies that strengthen the protection of women’s rights across the board.
Ramp up investments in prevention and support to women’s rights organization.
Listen to survivors and end impunity for perpetrators everywhere.
Stand with women activists and promote women’s leadership at every stage of decision-making.
Together, let us stand up and speak out. Let’s build a world that refuses to tolerate violence against women anywhere, in any form, once and for all.
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"The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity." — António Guterres
"On this Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare, we pay tribute to those killed or injured, and resolve to end this horror." — António Guterres
Gabon signed the United Nations Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships (the "Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships") at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 14 November 2024.
During the 141st session of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the Board held consultations with Member States on the human rights dimensions of drug control.
