International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Today, 25 November, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Violence against women is an issue that the British Government takes very seriously, domestically in the UK and internationally.

In its resolution 63/155 of 18 December 2008, the United Nations strengthened its efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women. Through this resolution the UN General Assembly urged States to end impunity for such violence and to continue to develop strategies to promote legislation and practical measures in support of the elimination of violence against women. There is still a long way to go. Violence against women is not confined to particular countries, cultures, religion or demographic groups. Any women, anywhere, can be affected.

According to UN figures, 35% of women and girls around the world experience a form of physical and or sexual violence in their lifetime and in some countries, seven out of ten women face violent abuse. Today’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women will make clear that violence against women is a human rights violation, a direct consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women. The UN is promoting this message through a number of online campaigns such as UNiTE to End Violence against Women   or heforshe, which encourages men to speak out against violence.

The UK has also been busy raising awareness to eliminate violence against women through the Prime Minister’s Girl Summit in July and the London Summit in June. The British government has produced a National Action Plan (NAP) that sets out how respect for human rights, particularly for women and girls, is a consistent theme that runs through the UK’s foreign policy.

I’ve also seen good work being done in Uzbekistan to reduce violence against women and ensure that those affected can receive help and support. Earlier this year, with the UN and national partners, the British Embassy contributed to the production of a pamphlet in support of the annual UNDP campaign “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World”. The guidance contained in the pamphlet supports the work of organisations or communities through mahallas to ensure that those affected by gender related violence can seek support. It also provides communities with a framework drawing from state obligations under the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.