Delivered By: Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Madam Chair,
I would like to begin by thanking UN Women and all the speakers for sharing their valuable insights on a topic that is so important to us all.
Violence against women and girls is an act that knows no borders. It is a threat that spans every culture and community, and one that has migrated beyond our physical spaces and into the digital realm.
The United Arab Emirates unequivocally condemns all forms of violence against women and girls.
Whether offline or online, we believe that such violence prevents the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in our societies.
To that end, we would like to highlight three priority areas that demand our immediate attention and our collective action.
First, empowering women and girls across all spheres of life remains the most effective defense against violence. In line with this session’s priority theme, we must act decisively to dismantle discriminatory laws, policies, and structural barriers that impede access to justice. The UAE has translated these commitments into national legislation to protect women and girls from domestic violence, ensure their immediate access to judicial and law enforcement authorities, and provide urgent protection mechanisms that reduce procedural and psychological barriers to justice.
Second, as our societies become increasingly digitized, Member States must redouble their efforts to establish comprehensive and accessible mechanisms to protect women and girls in the digital domain. Addressing gender-based violence in this realm is essential, which is why the UAE expanded its legislation to criminalize harassment through technology.
Finally, the protection of women and girls in conflict affected-settings – who face exacerbated risks of gender-based violence – must remain a priority. This requires a pathway to justice by holding perpetrators accountable, establishing safe spaces, the delivery of gender-responsive humanitarian aid, and ensuring unhindered access to healthcare services.
Madam Chair,
The UAE reaffirms its commitment to securing a world where every woman and girl can live free from violence.
Thank you, Madam Chair.