UN Declares Violence Against Women a Global Emergency

During a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 27, 2024, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk emphasized the escalating crisis of violence against women, labeling it a "global emergency." He condemned the systemic issues that allow powerful men to exploit and abuse women and girls with impunity. Turk pointed to the extreme situation in Afghanistan, where he described the segregation imposed on women as reminiscent of apartheid, based on gender rather than race.

Violence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UN

Turk referenced two high-profile cases that have drawn international attention: that of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot. Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for procuring a child for prostitution, died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while facing trial on sex trafficking charges. Pelicot publicly waived her right to anonymity during the 2024 trial of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, who, along with others, drugged and raped her. Turk stated, "Such horrific abuse is enabled by social systems that silence women and girls, and insulate powerful men from accountability."

The Straits TimesViolence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UN

Turk reported alarming statistics, noting that approximately 50,000 women and girls were killed worldwide in 2024, with the majority of these deaths attributed to family members. He expressed concern over the increasing violence targeting women, particularly those in public life, who often face misogyny and online harassment. "Every woman politician I meet tells me they face constant misogyny and online hate," he remarked.

Violence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UN

In addition to highlighting individual cases, Turk criticized legal frameworks that fail to protect women adequately. He pointed out that new criminal procedure codes in Afghanistan appear to endorse violence against women, stating that unless violence results in severe injuries, there are no penalties for perpetrators. This situation, he argued, is "really shocking in the 21st century."

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Turk urged states to take immediate action, insisting that they must investigate all alleged crimes, protect survivors, and ensure justice without bias. His statements reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic change to address the pervasive violence against women globally.

Violence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UN

• “Violence against women, including femicide, is a global emergency,” — Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

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• “Such horrific abuse is enabled by social systems that silence women and girls, and insulate powerful men from accountability,” — Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

The Straits Times

• “Every woman politician I meet tells me they face constant misogyny and online hate,” — Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

The Straits Times

• “They are creating a situation where, unless the violence reaches a particular threshold – described as broken bones or serious bruising – there are no penalties for husbands or family members carrying out that violence: really shocking in the 21st century.” — Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan

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The UN's urgent call to action highlights the critical need for global awareness and systemic reforms to combat violence against women and ensure their rights and safety.

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