UN Declares Violence Against Women a Global Emergency

At the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, declared that violence against women, including femicide, has reached a critical level, labeling it a "global emergency." Türk emphasized the urgent need for governments worldwide to address the systemic issues that allow such violence to persist. He criticized "social systems that silence women and girls" and enable powerful men to evade accountability for their actions. In 2024 alone, approximately 50,000 women and girls were killed globally, with most victims being murdered by family members.

UN Rights Chief warns of escalating threats to women's rightsUN declares violence against women global emergencyViolence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UNDawnEpstein Scandal, Danish HIV Breakthrough, Belarus RightsUN rights chief calls Afghanistan ‘graveyard for human rights’

Türk pointed to high-profile cases, including that of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot, to illustrate the pervasive exploitation of women. Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution, faced sex trafficking charges before his death in 2019, which was ruled a suicide. Pelicot's case involved her ex-husband and multiple men who assaulted her while she was unconscious over several years. Türk questioned, “Does anyone think there are not many more men like Dominique Pelicot or Jeffrey Epstein?” underscoring the widespread nature of such abuses.

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Türk highlighted the particularly dire situation for women in Afghanistan, describing it as a "graveyard for human rights." He noted that the Taliban's recent decrees have entrenched repression against women and girls, creating a system of segregation reminiscent of apartheid. Women in Afghanistan face severe restrictions, including bans on education, employment, and public life. Türk urged the Taliban to rescind these decrees and align their policies with international human rights obligations.

UN rights chief calls Afghanistan ‘graveyard for human rights’UN declares violence against women global emergencyViolence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UNUN Rights Chief warns of escalating threats to women's rightsDawnEpstein Scandal, Danish HIV Breakthrough, Belarus Rights

The UN rights chief criticized the societal structures that perpetuate violence against women. He stated, “Such horrific abuse is enabled by social systems that silence women and girls and insulate powerful men from accountability.” Türk called for states to investigate all alleged crimes, protect survivors, and ensure justice without bias. He also expressed concern over the increasing attacks on women in public life, noting that many female politicians report facing constant misogyny and online harassment.

UN declares violence against women global emergencyUN Rights Chief warns of escalating threats to women's rightsViolence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UNDawnEpstein Scandal, Danish HIV Breakthrough, Belarus RightsUN rights chief calls Afghanistan ‘graveyard for human rights’

In response to Türk's statements, 33 women's rights organizations issued an open letter to the president of the UN General Assembly, asserting that the Taliban is systematically eliminating women from society. They warned that the normalization of institutionalized gender discrimination poses a significant threat to women's rights globally. Türk's remarks have prompted calls for immediate action from member states to combat the rising tide of violence against women and to hold perpetrators accountable.

UN rights chief calls Afghanistan ‘graveyard for human rights’

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

Violence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UN

• “Such horrific abuse is enabled by social systems that silence women and girls and insulate powerful men from accountability.” — Volker Türk

Epstein Scandal, Danish HIV Breakthrough, Belarus Rights

• “system of segregation imposed on women is reminiscent of apartheid, based on gender rather than race” — Volker Türk

Violence against women ‘a global emergency’, says UN

The UN's urgent call to action reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change to protect women's rights and ensure justice for victims of violence.

UN declares violence against women global emergency