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Myan Tantawy, Women, Peace and Security Expert

Please Check Against Delivery.

Thank you, co-chairs. We listened carefully to the briefings from the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Boniadi and Dr. Ebadi today.

We are closely following the developments in Iran. At this time of unrest, we call for calm and we stress the need to exercise utmost restraint. Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to all the families who are grieving, including of those spoken about today.

On these developments and others around the world, it is critical to recall that the sovereign state bears primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights.

That said, across the globe, women’s rights and participation are nowhere near where they should be; and in every region of the world, decisions are made about women, without women and countless examples are overlooked. Restrictions on women – whatever they may be – are not an issue endemic to just one country, one region, one race or one religion; it is an epidemic of global proportions.

As we have heard, the number ”22” has a particular resonance. And just two weeks ago, the Security Council discussed the regression of women’s rights and gender equality in all corners of the world and their resilience to this. The achievements made for the recognition of gender equality and women’s rights will count for little if we do not have the conviction to follow through on our commitments. The rights of women and girls must be central to international peace and security and consistent in all our discussions.

Thank you.