Delivered By: His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
Thank you for your thoughtful remarks and for convening this event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
I am grateful to Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Executive Director Sima Bahous for their valuable insights.
I extend special thanks to the Dominican Republic for spearheading this initiative, which the United Arab Emirates proudly co-sponsors.
Mr. President,
The prevalence of violence against women and girls leaves no country, community, or culture unscathed.
It is a global challenge that demands a global response.
The UAE condemns all forms of violence against women and girls.
So as we kick start the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, I would like to share three recommendations:
First, one of the most effective ways to safeguard women and girls from violence is to advance gender equality, thereby empowering them in all spheres of life.
Women’s financial independence is a particularly effective vehicle for empowerment.
It equips women to challenge harmful gender norms and break free from cycles of abuse.
But the onus for this should not be confined to just half of the population.
As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, we must remember that achieving gender equality is a shared responsibility for us all – women and men, girls and boys.
Second, we must urgently combat the rising threats to women in the digital space.
As these threats evolve online, so too must our tools to protect and act against them.
This is why the UAE has developed systems to report cybercrimes against women.
These include a platform for survivors of violence to file complaints, as well as services to monitor incidents.
Finally, strong, gender-responsive institutions rooted in the rule of law are essential to ensure accountability.
In the UAE, we have strengthened our anti-human trafficking law, to address a crime that primarily affects women and girls, in a survivor-centered manner.
This includes research and awareness studies, as well as bolstered training and qualification programs for criminal justice practitioners.
Perpetrators of violence against women and girls must be held accountable so that we can end impunity.
Mr. President,
While we commemorate today’s important milestone, millions of women and girls are experiencing unimaginable violence in war-torn regions around the world.
In Gaza, women and children comprise 70% of those killed.
Every woman and girl should live a life free from violence – regardless of race, religion, or region.
I will conclude by echoing the words of UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous earlier today: “We will not stop until we have delivered the change women and girls demand, expect and deserve.”
Thank you, Mr. President.