11 March 2025, New York - Statement delivered by Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management, at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women General debate: Statement by the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls
Honourable Chair,
Distinguished representatives of governments and civil society,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of 95 member states of the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. At the outset, allow me to express our deep appreciation to the Commission on the Status of Women and UN Women for its tireless efforts in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls worldwide.
This year’s 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women is of particular significance, as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—a transformative blueprint for gender equality that has guided our collective efforts since its adoption in 1995. The Beijing Declaration recognized, unequivocally, that violence against women and girls is a fundamental violation of human rights and an obstacle to the achievement of equality, development, and peace.
As we mark this important milestone, we must take stock of progress made and redouble our efforts to tackle the persistent and pervasive scourge of violence against women and girls, as well as ensuring that we uphold our commitments to them – as a fundamental human rights obligation. While there is no doubt that the Beijing Declaration has catalyzed advancements in legislative, institutional, and normative frameworks, the reality remains that violence against women and girls, in all its forms and manifestations, continues to be one of the most widespread and entrenched human rights violations globally.
Excellencies,
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities and vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls. The sharp increase in domestic violence, often described as the “shadow pandemic,” reminded us of the urgent need for effective and comprehensive measures to protect survivors, prevent violence, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. In conflict and post-conflict settings, sexual, and gender-based violence and conflict related sexual violence remains a weapon of war that is normally underreported, devastating individuals, families, and communities.
Violence that occurs through or is amplified by technology, including online violence, cyberstalking, harassment, and image-based abuse, has emerged as a growing and deeply concerning dimension of violence against women and girls, underscoring the need for innovation and vigilance in addressing new and evolving threats. Women’s and girls’ human rights must be respected, protected, promoted, and fulfilled both online and offline.
In response, the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls reaffirms its steadfast commitment to achieving a world free from violence and discrimination for all. We stand united in promoting the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and other relevant international frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
We call on all Member States to:
Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks: Ensure comprehensive legislation to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including measures addressing emerging forms of violence. Laws must be enforced effectively, with accountability mechanisms to ensure justice for survivors and consequences for perpetrators. Policy frameworks should be updated regularly to be able to tackle emerging forms of violence against women and domestic violence and intimate partner violence.
Invest in Prevention and Protection: Allocate adequate resources for prevention programs, survivor support services, and safe shelters. This includes funding for education and awareness campaigns aimed at changing harmful social norms and empowering women and girls.
Enhance Multisectoral Approaches: Foster cooperation across sectors, including health, education, justice, and technology, to deliver integrated and survivor-centered responses to all forms of violence. Partnerships with civil society, women’s organizations, religious leaders and the private sector are crucial to ensure comprehensive solutions.
Harness Technology for Good: Promote technological innovation to combat all forms of violence and safeguard digital spaces for women and girls. This includes strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing access to technology and digital literacy, and supporting initiatives to prevent and combat online misogyny and abuse.
Engage Men and Boys as Allies: Promote initiatives that encourage men and boys to challenge toxic masculinity, reject all forms of violence and harassment, respect and promote a culture of non-violent behavior and respectful relationships and support gender equality, realizing that equality of all is equally beneficial to them. Their engagement is essential to dismantling the structures that perpetuate violence and discrimination, and to creating a safer and just society for all.
Support Data Collection and Research: Invest in robust data collection, research, and monitoring to better understand the prevalence, drivers, and impacts of violence against women and girls. Evidence-based policies are critical to ensuring effective interventions and accountability.
Excellencies,
The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action reminds us that we cannot afford complacency. Progress is a must. It requires sustained political will, collective action, and a commitment to the principles of equality, dignity, and justice.
We must also recognize that any step back in our commitments would undermine the hard-won gains achieved over the past decades. The protection and promotion of the rights of all women and girls require our unwavering dedication and vigilance. Now, more than ever, we must stand firm against setbacks and work together to advance the vision of equality and justice set out in the Beijing Declaration.
As we move forward, we must center the voices and experiences of all women and girls, particularly those from marginalized communities, in all our efforts. Addressing inequalities is not just a matter of fairness; it is essential to achieving the transformative promise of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
In closing, we reaffirm our commitment to a world where every woman and girl can live free from violence, fear, exploitation and discrimination. Let us use this session of the Commission on the Status of Women to renew our resolve and accelerate progress towards a more equitable and just world.
Thank you.