9th plenary meeting - Commission on the Status of Women, Seventieth session (CSW70) - High-level meeting on violence against women and girls (continued)

Muy buenas tardes. Very good afternoon to you all.

It is 3:04 and so I call to order the 9th meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women. At its 70th session, I invite the Commission to continue its high level meeting on violence against women and girls, held under sub item AI of agenda item 3.

Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished participants, I am honoured to welcome you to our high level meeting aimed at addressing one of the most urgent issues of our time, violence against women and girls. Despite the progress that has been made, violence against women continues to be one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. It is a reality that continues to limit the full exercise of our rights and weakens efforts towards building peaceful, just and inclusive societies. The persistence of discriminatory practices, underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and constant exposure to violence, both in public spaces and also in digital environments continue to undermine our progress towards equality. In order to approach truly inclusive societies, it's essential that we integrate gender perspective and public policies to strengthen access to justice and guarantee the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

This first day of the high level meeting under CSW 70, which is a part of the revitalization of the Commission, is a new forum that allows us to think about good practices and concrete actions that we can take to support the effort towards prevention, response to and supporting those who've experienced violence. I thank the girls and the women who are going to take the floor this afternoon and Also the moderator, Ms. Hildebrands Karas, under Secretary General for Human Rights, who is going to moderate the dialogue this afternoon. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, for the introduction. Excellencies, colleagues and partners, I'm very happy to participate as your moderator this afternoon at this high level meeting on violence against women and girls. The morning this earlier you had some very rich discussions, I understand, on the importance of adopting laws and policies to address and prevent violence against women and girls across different settings, incorporating gender responsive budgeting and addressing financial gaps, and addressing new and emerging forms of violence in offline and online spaces. This has been a unique opportunity for Member States to demonstrate what measures they have taken to accelerate action on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in this thematic area, as well as highlighting ongoing challenges. I'm really looking forward to this afternoon's session and hearing from the five high profile experts and practitioners from academia, UN entities and women's rights organizations representing the five UN regional groups who will present latest evidence and successful strategies for addressing priority concerns related to violence against women and girls, including prevention and response.

Like this morning. I would like to remind everyone on the panel that interventions will be limited to four minutes. Microphones will be automatically muted when the allotted time limit is reached. So I don't have to do that. I seek your cooperation so that everyone can be given an opportunity to contribute.

So we now turn to our panel and first I have the pleasure of turning to Commissioner Janet Ramatuli Salanije Nie from Gambia, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa and Member of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights. We know that a multisectoral response is critical to ensuring women's access to justice in cases of violence against women and girls. For this to be delivered effectively, coordination between different sectors is needed. What does this mean in terms of approaches and who are the key stakeholders with whom we should engage, including beyond institutional partners and from civil society? So, please, the floor is yours.

Dear Commissioner, thank you very much, Madam Moderator, for giving me the floor.

Distinguished delegates, Excellencies, colleagues and friends, I feel very privileged to contribute to this very important discussion on improving access to justice in cases of violence against women and girls through effective multisectoral coordination.

A coordinated multisecular response is grounded and requires three key elements. First, governance architecture that embeds accountability and facilitates communication amongst ministries and across stakeholders. Second, operational coordination, ensuring day to day collaboration among frontline actors and third, I and most important, budgetary coordination which requires gender responsive budgeting. The adoption of such responses is mandated in international and regional instruments. We have the 1993 UN Declaration on Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Beijing Declaration and Plan of Action, the Maputo Protocol, the recently adopted African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, which all require States to implement integrated measures to prevent, investigate and punish violence against women and girls.

They are supposed to implement legislative, administrative, social and economic measures for its eradication, ensure effective remedies and reporting mechanisms for survivors, tackle harmful norms and establish strong coordination among government and relevant partners.

Distinguished Delegates because discrimination against women and girls often underpins violence against women and girls, CEDAW also obliges States to employ legislative, judicial, administrative and other measures to eliminate discrimination, thus requiring a coordinated multi sectoral action to address the structural drivers of violence.

Effective implementation requires a coherent national strategy that clearly defines roles, accountability mechanisms and reporting lines adopt an intersectional human rights based approach, centers the experience of women most vulnerable to violence and engages all relevant ministries. It must also ensure strategic partnerships, transformative approaches addressing unequal power relations and harmful stereotypes, and dedicated budget lines supported by monitoring and evaluation frameworks with measurable targets. With regard to effective governance architecture, best practices illustrate that governance structure should include a lead coordination agency, focus on gender, an intermediate mechanism and institutionalized participation form civil society and other relevant stakeholders, including community leaders. With regard to operational coordination, the Rwanda's Asange One Stop Centers provide a model of operational coordination offering timely and affordable medical, legal investigation, counseling and accommodation services to survivors of gender based violence. With regard to budget coordination, gender responsibility requires integrated gender analysis across the budget cycle, adequate adequation for effective response to violence against women, and sustained support for CSOs whose invaluable contribution and unique roles as frontline respondents to survivors necessitate such support.

Finally, coordination must involve traditional and face based leaders, private sector and digital actors, the media, professional bodies, survival networks and financial institutions. Each of these actors influence either social norms, resources, access pathways or accountability mechanism that determine women can fully report without violence and injustice. We saw the power of this approach recently in the Gambia when a parliamentary initiative sought to repeal the legal provision of image and mutilation. A broad multi sectoral coalition including civil society, health professionals, religious and traditional leaders, policymakers and international partners mobilized coordinated advocacy and public engagement. The collective action helped ensure the repeat effort in the Gambia failed, thus leading to safeguarding legal protection for the women and girls of the Gambia.

This illustrates a simple but powerful truth. When sectors act together, justice becomes more accessible and protection more resilient. Let us continue, ladies and gentlemen, to be guided by a unified commitment to justice for women and girls acting with the favor that they deserve. I thank you all for your kind attention.

Thank you very much, Commissioner Salangier. And now it's my pleasure to turn to our next speaker who is Dr. Patsili Toledo Vasquez from Chile and member of the UN CEDAW Committee and also adjunct lecturer at Pompeo Fabra University. Can you explain why it is important to distinguish gender related killings or femicide from other crimes, including homicide? What does this mean in terms of the approaches that are needed to address this form of violence? Please, the floor is yours.

Thank you so much, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, In English more words fit into four minutes, so I will speak in English. Distinguishing gender related killings of women, often referred to as femicide, from other forms of homicide, is critical for ensuring adequate responses to these crimes. When we conflate gender related killings with all killings, we are unable to see what makes these crimes different and more importantly, why the same standard responses to crime will not help us adequately address femicide and their impact. We need to name things to differentiate them. Regarding killings, we need to acknowledge that 60% of women and only 11% of men are killed by their intimate partners or family members, that many women and girls are killed in the context of sexual violence, that some are killed because they face accusation of witchcraft or killed under the justification of so called honor among others.

If these cases are treated simply as homicide, the gender dimension disappears. They appear as random actors of acts of violence rather than a part of a broader pattern rooted in structural inequality. Recognizing this gender dimension affects the not only the investigation of these crimes but also their prevention and the way their impacts are addressed. When authorities recognize the possibility that a killing may be gender related, investigation must look beyond the immediate act and examine the broader context. As the Inter American Protocol for Investigation of Femicide states.

This includes, for instance, whether there was a history of domestic violence priorities, prior threats, stalking or other forms of gender based violence. Considering those factors, more adequate prevention measures can be adopted and their effectiveness can be assessed. If femicide is understood only as a homicide issue, responses will tend to focus primarily on general crime control measures with little or no impact. But addressing femicide requires gender sensitive and coordinated responses. This perspective helps avoid treating these killings as sudden or unpredictable acts.

In many cases, femicide is the final stage of an escalating pattern of violence that could potentially have been identified earlier. This includes identifying high risk domestic violence cases, a strengthening protection measure for women who report abuse, improving risk assessment system, and ensuring coordination between police, courts and social and protection services. Ultimately, acknowledging the gender nature of these crimes and their impacts allow us to implement appropriate measures to address the profound consequences of these killings. Families and communities require support, especially children who are left behind. In other words, recognizing femicide shifts the focus from simply responding to a crime and to preventing lethal violence before it happens and addressing its gendered impacts when it has already occurred.

In conclusion, distinguishing femicide from other forms of homicide is not simply a matter of terminology. It is a tool to make visible the gender drivers of these crimes, strengthen accountability, improve data collection, and develop effective prevention and reparation strategies. Without this distinction, the systemic patterns behind the killings of women and girls remain invisible and opportunities to prevent them and address their impacts are lost. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Dr. Toledo Vazquez I will now have the pleasure of turning to Mr. Humberto Carollo from Canada, Executive Director at White Ribbon Canada and Global Co Chair of the Men Engage Alliance. What does it mean to engage men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls? And why is this important? Who should be engaged and how?

Could you please provide one or two examples highlighting results please the floor is yours, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, panelists and guests. Embrace a World free of Gender Based Violence My name is Umberto Carollo, CEO of White Ribbon, a Canadian based organization. I stand here as an ally and lifelong learner deeply committed to advancing gender equality and ending gender based violence. Growing up, I witnessed the strength and resilience of the women in my life even as they faced violence in our home and community. These experiences shaped my dedication to ensuring future generations grow up in peace and non violence.

We must call men and boys to their critical role as partners, working alongside women to honor all human rights and create a safer world. Nearly one in three women globally have experienced partner or sexual violence in their lifetime. Online violence is rapidly increasing. White Ribbon's research shows that 71% of boys, parents of boys, worry about their sons being exposed to harmful, misogynistic content online. Gender based violence is not inevitable, it is preventable.

Engaging men and boys in prevention means recognizing their capacity to be agents and beneficiaries of changes. It invites fathers, sons, teachers, coaches and community leaders to become allies in fostering safer, more equitable communities for all. Primary prevention is essential for meaningful, lasting change. Effective engagement of men and boys relies on several best practices. First, we must adopt strength based approaches that recognize the positive roles men and boys already play while providing mentorship and education to challenge violence against women and girls and foster equality in every setting.

Second, we must address root causes by promoting healthy relationships, challenging unhealthy norms, and supporting boys early before harm occurs or harmful ideologies take hold. Third, we must educate youth as early as possible about the impact of harmful content, helping them critically question and counter negative misogynistic messages. These approaches yield measurable results when youth develop positive attitudes of gender equity. Lower rates of violence perpetration are reported in all aspects of their life. At White Ribbon, we see change firsthand through our campaigns such as Boys Don't Cry and My Friend Max Haidt, which creates spaces for men and boys to challenge harmful norms.

Responding to parents concerns, we are pilot testing lesson plans with educators to address technology facilitated online harms and build boys resilience. By engaging men and boys as allies, we witness transformation one conversation, one community at a time. The Commission on the Status of Women calls on us to fully engage men and boys as agents and beneficiaries of change.

Let us see the boy behind every statistic, the men behind every choice and equip them to become agents of change for equality. Together we can make prevention our shared legacy, ensuring a safer, more just world for all. Thank you all.

Thank you very much, Mr. Humberto Carollo. And now it's my pleasure to turn to Ms. Lara Aharonian from Armenia. She is the co founder of the Women's Fund for Armenia and Women's Research Center. So to you, the question is, what does it mean to apply a survivor centered approach to efforts to address violence against women and girls? And could you please share one or two examples from how doing so results in improved service delivery for women and girls who have experienced violence?

Please, the floor is yours. Thank you, Excellencies, delegates, colleagues. Many women and girls don't seek help not because they accept violence, but because they feared what the system will do to them. Expose them, shame them, push reconciliation, even losing their house, housing and children. Violence is not experienced equally.

If our response works only for an ideal victim, it will fail most survivors. Laws matters, of course, but laws without funding and survivor centered implementation become promises on paper. UN Women's work on access to justice in Europe and Central Asia reveals that survivors face bureaucracy, services remain limited and legal aid reaches far fewer survivors than the number of cases reported. So when I say survivor centered, I'm not talking about kindness. I mean a rights based, gender responsive standard of governance.

It begins by establishing a relationship with the survivor that promotes emotional and physical safety, builds trust and helps her restore control over her life. It places the rights needs of women and girls at the center of survival service delivery. Survivor centered means the system adapts to the survivor, not the survivor to the system. It is delivered through one safe entry point, one trained response, one coordinated referral pathway and accountability for breaches and harm. Most importantly, survivor centered must not become a slogan celebrating resilience while systems stay unsafe.

An example of an anonymized case from Armenia demonstrates what improved after the domestic violence law, adoption and when regional crisis centers embracing a survivor centered approach were funded. Siranouche, a young woman, reached a regional support center after a violent incident. She received risk assessment, safety planning, psychosocial support, legal guidance and coordinated referrals so she did not have to repeat her story everywhere. What had improved in her case? Faster care and fewer humiliating handoffs.

However, gaps continue, shelter is not always available and protection measures are unevenly enforced. I need to name what is true in Armenia and across Eastern Europe and many other countries. I'm sure women's organizations and feminist civil society have embraced survivor centered practice for decades through establishing hotlines, shelters, counseling, legal aid and trust. Protecting women's organizations from smear campaigns and political harassment is essential because when NGOs are attacked, survivors lose the safest entry point. Civil society, though, cannot be a substitute for the state.

Survivor centered services must be treated as essential public infrastructure at scale. So my recommendations today to member states are practical. Survivor centered services should be funded with sustainable core support. And most importantly, partnering with women's organizations is a must because that is where the expertise lies. Services should be equally available across health, social, protection, police, irrespective of a survivor's first entry point.

And there should be justice with accountability. Justice is not only prosecution, it is protection. Orders that work. Safe custody decisions, economic security and prevention of recidivism build the system for women like Siranush. So the safest and simplest path is to get her the right help once with dignity, confidentiality and without being punished for surviving.

Thank you.

Thank you very much, Ms. Lara Aharonian. And now I turn to our last panelist who is Ms. Nigat dad from Pakistan. She's the founder and executive director of the Digital Rights Foundation. And the question here will be the digital revolution has transformed every aspect of our lives, offering unprecedented opportunities for communication, learning, earning and activism. However, digital tools are also being used to expand and amplify violence against women and girls.

Looking forward, what in your opinion are the main challenges associated with the digital revolution? And how can we harness technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance prevention and response to violence against women and girls that occurs both online and offline? And we will now be hearing the answer through the messages via video.

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Unfortunately there seems to be a technical glitch so we're not able to get the video just now. So so we will move on but I hope we will have a chance to get back to the video and to Ms. Niigata with her important messages too. So now we heard already a broad range of key issues that were mentioned with both the challenges and also pointing to possible solutions. And I'm very grateful actually that we ended on the reminder of the reality that it's not something we work on only as policies or on paper or legislation, but it actually we have to look at really in changing the situation for women and girls at risk. So with this it's my pleasure to turn back the floor to the chair to conduct the dialogue among ministers.

I'd like to thank Ms. Brands Carers for moderating this important dialogue. I thank also our panelists. We will now continue hearing statements on the basis of expressions of interest that received previously. I would invite all those on the list to speak from their seats so that we can make the most of the time available to us. I would like to ask people to be brief and so to respect the time limit of three minutes in accordance with regular practice.

The microphones will be automatically muted when the allotted time has elapsed and I would ask speakers to deliver their statements at a normal speaking speed and to send copies of their statements to estatementsn.org in order to facilitate interpretation and for their statements to be published in the Journal of the United Nations. So thank you in advance for your cooperation and apologies in advance to any who might be interrupted and we now look with interest to the statements on allocation of resources, accountability and full implementation of the recommendations included in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. I encourage Ministers to consider the questions that have been raised as well as the issues raised by our panelists and so we will continue with Her Excellency, forgive me if I mispronouncing this Shizwe Shikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities of South Africa Excellency Sin Siwe Chikunga

Madam Chairperson, South Africa addresses violence against women and girls as a matter of justice, dignity and national survival. We view GPVF as systemic and rooted in unequal power, economic exclusion and harmful social norms and its consequences extend far beyond individual survivors. It weakens families, erodes social cohesion and undermines confidence in public institutions.

In 2025, South Africa took an unprecedented step of classifying gender based violence and femicide as a national disaster. This decision reflects a clear eyed recognition that gender based violence and femicide constitute a national emergency requiring a whole of government, whole of society framework, spending, prevention, protection, justice, care and economic empowerment. Over the years we've made concrete progress across all six pillars of our National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide. We have reformed our laws strengthening the Domestic Violence act, the Criminal Law, Sexual Offenses Amendment act and the Protection from Harassment act to make them more responsive to survivors needs. We have established gender based Violence and Femicide repeat response teams at District Level 66 Tutuzela Care Centers as integrated one stop facilities and dedicated sexual Offences courts with victim friendly services, reducing secondary victimization, improving case management and increasing conviction rate.

We have re established the Gender Based Violence and Femicide Command center and expanded our network of shelters to 136 facilities across 44 of our 52 districts. Through the Women's Economic Assembly, Wakona, we are advancing targeted economic empowerment for women as Critical levers for prevention and intervention. Madam Chair, the completion of South Africa's first national Gender Based Violence and Femicide prevalence study and the National Femicide Study has significantly strengthened our evidence base, sharpening policy, informing budgets and enabling the Department of Police, Health, Social Development and Justice to track trends and share data in a coordinated and systematic way. Our experience confirms that the evidence demands. Confronting gender based violence, misogyny and femicide requires an all of society, whole of government approach supported by continuous prevention, monitoring, accountability and the political will to act.

South Africa remains fully committed to this work and I thank you.

Thank the Minister of Women of South Africa for that statement. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Martine Moni Sana of Togo, Minister of Solidarity, Gender, Family and Child Protection. You have the floor.

Merci. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Gender based violence remains a major concern. It deeply and in the long term affects the lives of many women and girls.

Combating this scourge requires a comprehensive, coordinated and multisectoral approach. This in order to protect the basic rights of victims and also to promote a society that is more egalitarian and respectful. In Togo, violence against women and girls often is linked to socio cultural factors and sometimes goes unnoticed. Despite the scale of the phenomenon and the seriousness of its consequences, when it comes to combating violence, stigmatization and stereotypes in terms of women and girls, Togo has adopted measures on the legal front and the institutional front. Turning now to the legal front, we've undertaken reforms.

This was to strengthen our legal framework, in particular by adopting specific texts and by revising existing texts. The aim of this was to better account for the needs of women and to effectively counter discrimination. Turning now to the institutional front, we've introduced several innovations. These innovations include the the creation of One Stop Centers. They offer in a single site an integrated package of psychosocial, psychological, medical and legal services.

We've implemented an approach of positive masculinity aiming to encourage responsible behavior that is respectful and favorable to the flourishing of women and girl. We've also set up dedicated green. We've set in place dedicated hotlines 8284 for gender based violence, 8255 for the school environment and 1011 for the protection of children. We've also dedicated. We also designated focal points to combat violence in the school environment and in communities.

We've organized communal community dialogues on practices that are harmful to women and girls. Madam Chair, these are significant strides, but despite them, several challenges remain and they call for innovative strategies. These challenges remain a lack of knowledge about legal texts, in particular in remote areas, the failure to report certain cases of violence because of fear of reprisal, stigmatization or social pressure. There are also socio cultural barriers that spur violence. The microphone has been cut off.

I thank the Minister of Solidarity, Jenna Gender, Family and Child Protection of Togo. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Lauma Pelkalna, Vice Minister of Justice of Latvia. You have the floor, Madam.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Latvia prioritizes combating violence against women and girls by strengthening legal protections, expanding victim support, holding perpetrators, administrators accountable and raising awareness to challenge societal norms.

These efforts align with our international commitments, including the recently ratified European Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. To create a safer society for everyone, we continue to strengthen our legal frameworks. In 2024, we introduced a dedicated administrative liability for sexual harassment student, specifically covering the digital sphere. This reform sends a clear signal that sexual harassment is a form of gender based violence that will not be tolerated. In 2025, Latvia introduced electronic monitoring as a protective measure in domestic violence cases.

It enhances victim safety, strengthens prevention and contributes to broader public security. Latvia has also introduced the internationally recognized by Barnacus model, ensuring child friendly, multidisciplinary support for children affected by violence. This approach significantly reduces secondary victimization and strengthens trust in institutions. Recognizing that effective implementation requires a strong policy framework, Latvia adopted the first National Action Plan for Preventing and Combating violence against Women and Domestic Violence. The plan forces coherence between laws, prevention policies, victim support services and mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable, while strengthening coordination across all responsible institutions.

Within the action plan, we pay close attention to new prevention activities. For example, last year we launched a Crisis Helpline that provides early intervention support for individuals who fear they may commit violence. These consultations are highly valued and often serve as the first point of access to rehabilitation services, demonstrating the importance of accessible and confidential support mechanisms. We also place a particular emphasis on engaging boys and men in promoting gender equality, healthy masculinity and respectful relationships. Latvi also believes in global solidarity.

Together with the non governmental actors, we actively support women, women and girls in Ukraine who have suffered sexual violence as a result of Russia's aggression. And we stand ready to share our experience and expertise with partners worldwide. Distinguished delegates, Latvia remains committed to advancing gender equality through strong legal frameworks, effective prevention, timely assistance and support for victims and sustained international cooperation. Together, we can build societies where women and girls live in dignity, safety and freedom from violence and discrimination. I thank you.

I thank the Vice Minister of Justice of Latvia. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Elvina Sousa Carvalho, Secretary of State for Equality of Timor Leste. You have the floor.

Gracias, Senhora Presidenta. Thank you, Madam Chair.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Timor Leste, I reaffirm our strong commitment to the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. Gender based violence is not only a violation of fundamental human rights, but also a major barrier to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and inclusive peace. Timor Leste has made important progress in strengthening the legal and institutional framework to address gender based violence. We are implementing our third National Action Plan on Gender Based Violence 2022-2032, which focus on prevention, service provisions, access to justice and coordination. Efforts are in place to address gaps in the 2010 law against domestic violence and improve the implementation of the penal code.

The second generation of the National Action Plan 1325 has launched to increase women's leadership in the security and justice sectors. The Mobisi Declaration has been strengthened to promote women's economic empowerment as a key component to reducing vulnerability to violence. Timor Leste has made miserable progress and achievements such as reduction intolerance. In 2024 reports indicating a reduction of women and men who justified violence, signaling a shift in social norms. This significant increase in the reporting of crimes reflect a growing trust in the justice system and positive changes.

The government, with the support of UNFPA has established eight specialized safe spaces we call UMAHON to provide immediate shelter and care for survivors. We we continue to strengthen justice and policy capacity and capacity building and training to the vulnerable person units in Timor Leste National Police to enhance the investigation of sexual assault and child abuse. Timor Leste is strengthening referral mechanism to support services for survivors including safe shelters, psychological assistance, legal aid and community awareness program excellencies. Ending violence against women and girls requires a strong partnership and sustained global commitment. Timor Leste values the continued collaboration with civil society, international partners and the United nations system in advancing this shared agenda.

Let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to build a world where the rights and dignity of all women and girls are protected and uphold. Thank you very much.

I thank the Secretary of State for Equality of Timor Lest. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Maria Luisa Morales Perez, Vice Minister of Women and Human Rights of Ecuador. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. The Constitution of Ecuador recognizes the right of all women and girls to a life free of violence and sets out the state's obligation to prevent, eliminate and punish all forms of violence against them.

In the same vein, Ecuador has held a clear violence against women and girls is not a private matter, nor is it an isolated phenomenon. Rather, it is a grave breach of human rights and a structural barrier to achieving peace and sustainable development. Social cohesion and democratic governability in 2018, Ecuador set an institutional milestone by passing the Organic Comprehensive Law to prevent and eradicate violence against women in this way, recognizing that gender based violence is a manifestation of profound structural inequalities that must be be addressed holistically at all levels of the state and together with the participation of all stakeholders in society. Based on this normative framework, we consolidated the national system for the Prevention eradication of violence against women. This coordinates the action across various public institutions and promotes the participation of civil society in designing, implementing and following up on all public policies.

This focus reflects a fundamental conviction at the heart of the Ecuadorian state. The protection of women requires holistic, coordinated responses that are sustained over time. As part of strengthening this system, Ecuador has given priority to work in the territories by consolidating cantonal councils as the bodies for local coordination. Together with international cooperation, we have been able to do a lot of work in this. In the territories, we also have a National Plan for the Prevention and Eradication of Violence Against Women 2020 through 2030.

This guides public policy that is evidence in a way that is evidence based with measurable targets, and it structures around four key prevention, support and protection, comprehensive reparations and institutional strengthening. In the area of support, the state has strengthened the provision of specialized services through a network of Comprehensive Protection Services and our Violet Centers and also through specialized women's shelters run by civil society organizations. Just in 2025, this network recorded 52,000 support sessions to victims of violence. Our experience confirms that eradicating violence against women requires political will, solid institutions and a permanent commitment from the whole of society. Ecuador reiterates its determination to continue strengthening public policies aimed at protecting all women and girls.

I thank the Vice Minister of Women and Human Rights of Ecuador. I now give the floor to His Excellency Pei Minh Go, Minister of State for Social and Family Development of Singapore. You have the floor, Sir.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, Singapore does not tolerate violence against persons regardless of nationality, marital status, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. Singapore consistently ranks as one of the safest countries globally, coming in first in Gallup's 2025 Global Safety Report.

Even so, we continue to strengthen our protection of persons against violence. To enhance access to justice, the Singapore government convened the Multi Stakeholder Task Force on Family Violence, which consulted widely with professionals and the public to develop strategies to tackle domestic violence. The Women's Charter, which was amended in 2023, strengthens protection for victim survivors of domestic violence and enhances rehabilitation and accountability of perpetrators. Through the amendments, we introduced mandatory orders to keep perpetrators away from victims to reduce the risk of the harm they inflict. And the 24 hour national anti violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline provides timely assistance and the 24 hour domestic violence emergency Response Teams can issue emergency orders on site where there's imminent danger.

Today, 98% of Singaporeans, including women, feel safe walking out alone, even at night. But safety is no longer confined to physical spaces. New threats have emerged online which pose higher risks due to the anonymity and greater speed at which harmful content spreads. To enhance online safety, the Online Safety Relief and Accountability act was passed in November 2025 and a new dedicated agency, the Online Safety Commission, will be set up this year to provide timely redress for victims of online harms, including online harassment, intimate image abuse and image based child abuse. Through the introduction of new statutory torts, victims may also seek civil remedies from the courts such as orders to stop harmful behaviour or compensation for the harm suffered or breach of relevant statutory duties.

The Singapore government also partners civil society organisations to provide support for victims of online harms on the ground. One of them, SG her Empowerment, runs Singapore's first support centre that provides holistic support and a safe space for survivors of online harms. Another organisation, United Women Singapore, runs a Boys Empowered program that creates a safe space for males to have conversations of healthy masculinity and male allyship, equipping them with skills to de escalate and prevent self situations of violence. Singapore will continue to ensure that both women and men have equal access to justice, protection and the dignity they deserve. Thank you.

Lori La Gracia I thank the Minister for of State for Social and Family Development over Singapore.

I now give the floor to delegations.

So I will give the floor to the delegation of Switzerland.

Madam Chair Excellencies Violence against women and girls remains a reality in Switzerland. Figures show that it is even increasing, whether at home, in public spaces or in the workplace. In response, Switzerland is taking action on four main prevention, protection of victims or survivors, prosecution, perpetrators and policy coordination in concrete terms. In 2026, Switzerland decided to strengthen its institutional commitment by developing a comprehensive national strategy against domestic sexual and gender based violence. This new step integrates both equality and security perspectives.

Last year a major national campaign was launched under the slogan Equality Against Violence Its aim is to address social norms because balance relationships between autonomous individuals are the foundation of relationships free of violence.

We in this way seek to counter current narratives that fuel hostility of men towards women. This campaign also aims to prevent violence from its earliest signs harmful words, inappropriate behavior or abusive control. It's about stopping the spiral of violence before it escalates, including to the point of femicide. Precisely in response to femicides, Switzerland is intensifying its action around 3 increasing shelter capacity for victims, improving risk assessment in situations of separation and conducting systematic case analyses in order to strengthen institutional responses. The objective is protect earlier, intervene faster and coordinate better.

These priorities have in fact been defined and are currently being implemented at all levels of government, the federal, cantonal and municipal level, all with the involvement of civil society. At the same time, the Swiss legal framework has been strengthened. The criminal code now includes a broader definition of rape. Stalking has been introduced as a criminal offence and the Victim Support act has been revised with improved medical documentation of cases in order to strengthen evidence in judicial proceedings. Finally, among the recent concrete measures introduced in Switzerland to combat violence against all women and girls, we would also like to mention the adoption in January of our first national action plan against hate crimes targeting LGBTIQ persons.

Ladies and gentlemen, we must reiterate that all violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights.

In this spirit, Switzerland actively supports the implementation of the Beijing Declaration. I thank you, Doylas. Gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegation of Australia.

You have the floor. Thank you, Chair and to UN Women for convening this important discussion and for the opportunity to express Australia's enduring commitment to ending all forms of gender based violence. As Executive Director of Australia's Office for Women, I'm honoured to be here. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was a commitment for from us all to strive to achieve gender equality in all dimensions of life, including women's safety. In Australia.

Ending gender based violence is the first priority under our national strategy to achieve gender equality called Working for Women. Australian governments are working together and have committed significant investment to accelerate action to end violence against women and children in one generation. An ambition articulated in our 10 year national plan to end violence against women and Children. Our plan has action under four prevention, early Intervention, response and recovery. Just last month, Australia released Our Ways, Strongways, Our Voices, Australia's first National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence.

This plan delivers on a long held call by first nations women and communities for a standalone plan that recognises the specific needs of first nations families. Australia is increasingly recognising the importance of working with men and boys to end men's violence against women. Australia also recognises the pressing need to prevent and respond to technology facilitated gender based violence. This is why Australia's ESAFETY Commissioner has been given regulatory and enforcement powers to protect all Australians, including women and girls who face disproportionate levels of online abuse. The ESAFETY Commission has also established a technology facilitated abuse support service which assists frontline workers with the tools and services to better recognise, respond and apply risk assessment and safety planning expenses expertise to harms perpetrated online.

And of course, in a world first, social media platforms are now required to take reasonable steps to prevent children under the age of 16 in Australia from creating or keeping an account. These restrictions protect young Australians at a critical stage of their development from the pressures and risks associated with social media. Finally, Australia is taking steps to close financial abuse loopholes in our government Social Security, tax and superannuation systems so that they cannot be used or weaponized to cause harm. We have also enacted reforms to help ensure our family law system serves as an instrument of justice, not trauma. Ending gender based violence will require collective action from all of us, individuals, governments, law enforcement, the justice system, the private sector and civil society.

We must continue to progress collective and coordinated efforts to break the cycles.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I'll now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. Thank you. Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Gender based violence remains one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world.

Today. Around 840 million women worldwide, almost one in three have experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. In 2024 alone, around 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members. Gender based violence exists in every country, every society and every community. It is therefore not only a women's issue, it's a human rights issue and it concerns all of us.

As a Member of Parliament from Luxembourg, I speak today on behalf of our Parliament which is strongly committed to fighting violence and protecting victims. Even in a country like Luxembourg with a strong social system, violence still happens. Luxembourg has adopted its first National Action Plan against Gender Based Violence. This plan was discussed and supported in Parliament last year. It brings together different ministries and partners and includes more than 60 concrete projects focused on prevention, protection of victims, prosecution and perpetrators, and better cooperation between services.

Last year, Luxembourg created the national center for Victims of Violence, the cnvv.

This center brings together medical care, psychological support Police assistance and legal information in one place. On January 21, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies anonymously voted to expand the opening hours of this center, following a motion that I had the honor of championing. As such, I'm glad to announce that from May this year, the center will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that victims can receive help whenever they need it. One aspect to keep in mind is that the CNVV supports all victims of violence, women, men and children. Violence affects people of all genders and support services must be accessible to everyone.

Luxembourg continues to strengthen its legal framework and support network. As part of our holistic approach, our country finances shelters and support services for victims and works with organizations that also help perpetrators stop violent behavior. But national efforts alone are not enough. Gender based violence is a global challenge and we need strong international cooperation. Luxembourg vows to continue its support to multilateral and regional mechanisms in support of victims of gender based violence, be it through the Istanbul Convention, the CEDAW or.

DOY Las Gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. First, in appropriate remarks were made earlier by the Chinese representative concerning Japan's historical issue. While I will not address each one in details here, I trust that many countries present recognize that since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of peace loving nation and made innumerable contributions to the peace and prosperity of the world as well as to the promotion of universal values such as human rights. Japan will continue such contributions as a responsible member of the the international community. It is completely groundless to argue that Japan is trying to deny or distort history.

Now I would like to resume my remarks. Madam Chair. Violence against women constitutes a serious human rights violation and the eradication of such violence is a crucial challenge to to overcome as well as a national responsibility in building a gender equal society. In this regard, Japan has positioned the elimination of all forms of violence against women as a key theme within the basic plan for gender equality and is actively working towards this goal regarding sexual crimes and sexual violence in particular. In 2023, Japan formulated the policy for further enhancement of measures against sexual crimes and sexual violence.

Furthermore, Japan is promoting social awareness reform and violence prevention through educational and awareness raising activities. In terms of international cooperation, Japan continues to provide contributions to to UN Women, the Office of SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict and unfpa. Japan also contributes to the Trust Fund for Victims at the International Criminal Court to support survivors of sexual and gender based violence. In order to eliminate violence against women and girls, it's essential not only to develop laws and systems, but also to simultaneously address social norms. With this understanding, Japan will continue to seek and promote comprehensive measures aimed at the eradication of.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland. You have the floor,

Excellencies, colleagues, representatives of civil society. Violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations globally. Connecting to the priority theme of this year's session, equal access to justice for all women and girls is therefore not a rhetorical commitment.

It is a fundamental test of the credibility of our policies and institutions. Justice today must mean more than adopting laws. It must ensure that women and girls can exercise their rights in practice, safely, effectively and without a fear. At the same time, the nature of violence is evolving. Abuse increasingly takes place in the digital spaces through technology facilitated violence, cyberstalking, the non consensual dissemination of intimate images and the growing threat of AI enabled abuse, including deepfakes.

From Poland's perspective, and in close solidarity with Ukraine, justice also means resilience. Russia's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine has demonstrated how armed conflicts multiplies the risks of violence, exploitation and trafficking affecting women and girls. Accountability for crimes committed in the context of war, including conflict related sexual violence and the forced deportation and abduction of Ukrainian children, remains essential for lasting peace and security. The challenges posed by Russia's aggression go beyond physical violence. They also include the weaponization of information.

Disinformation campaigns have deliberately targeted women, including women leaders, journalists and human rights defenders. Harassment Our experience with these tactics has underscored that cooperation across borders, institutions and sectors to combat this information, protect digital spaces and enforce accountability, is integral to preventing violence against women and girls in the 21st century. Digital violence does not respect national boundaries and neither can our responses. Poland has taken concrete steps to address cyber violence. Our criminal code allows for the prosecution of persistent harassment, including cyberstalking, as well as the violations of sexual privacy and the dissemination of intimate images without consent.

The act of counteracting domestic violence explicitly recognizes abuse committed through electronic communication, acknowledging that violence today often takes digital forms. Prevention is equally crucial. Through the Polish Safer Internet center, the nationwide educational programs, we promote awareness of consent and online safety among children and adolescents. If we are serious about equality, we must ensure that all women and girls in all their diversity can rely on a system that protects them in practice, both offline and online. Poland remains committed to working with the international community to further advance this goal.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Poland. And now give the floor to the Secretary for an announcement.

Chair. I would like to remind distinguished participants that the seats behind the nameplates and the advisor seats behind them are for the exclusive use of the delegation whose name appears on the nameplate. The unauthorized use of those seats is not permitted.

Participants sitting in the seats of other delegations are kindly asked to move at this time. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. We will continue with the statements. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan. You have the floor,

Madam Chairperson. One of the greatest human rights challenges of our time is violence against women and girls across continents.

Violence continues to silence voices, limit potential and erode dignity. It persists in homes, workplaces, digital spaces, conflict zones and occupied territories. It is systemic, structural and sustained by impunity. But it is not inevitable. It is preventable with political will and concerted actions.

In Pakistan, we have enacted comprehensive legal reforms criminalizing honor killing, strengthening anti rape legislation, outlawing forced marriages and in heritage deprivation and institutionalizing workplace harassment protections. I proudly announce that recently we have formulated a comprehensive national strategy to combat technology facilitated gender based violence. National and provincial commissions on the status of women, specialized courts, crisis centers, shelter homes, women police desk, mobile policing services and national helplines are expanding protection and response systems. Technology enables safe city projects and digital safety applications are further enhancing monitoring, reporting and rescue mechanism for women and girls. Violence prevents women from learning, working, leading and living with dignity.

It is therefore not only a human rights crisis, it is a development barrier and a peace deficit to accelerate global elimination efforts. We believe that the way forward requires concrete actions. Strengthening justice systems through fast track courts, legal aid and trauma services transforming harmful social norms through education and male engagement strategies addressing technology facilitated gender based violence through monitoring and accountability expanding women's economic protection systems to reduce dependency traps and investing in institutional capacity including women police officers, investigators and prosecutors. Madam Chair, if we act with urgency, political will and resources, the next generation of girls will be safer. Freedom and enlarger freedom.

Not fair. Let us commit with. We will legislate, we will protect, we will prosecute. But above all, we will transform the structures that allow violence to endure. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I'll now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Indonesia underscores the vital role in the state of in ensuring protection from all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly for those in vulnerable situations who face heightened risk and require sustained coordinated responses.

National data show that violence against women in Indonesia affect 1 in 4 women. While this remains a serious concern, the data also reflects strengthened national efforts to measure and address the issue. This underscores the need to strengthen preventions, protections and victim center services, ensuring that victim voices are reflected in policy formulations. Indonesia prioritize accessible reporting mechanisms as a key entry point for protection and justice. The increase in reported cases in recent years reflect improved reporting systems, growing public trust and greater awareness encouraging survivors to seek assistance to reinforce prevention and response, Indonesia enacted the Law of Sexual Violence Crimes, establishing a comprehensive framework covering prevention's protections, recovery and preparatory accountability.

Indonesia also launched Ruang Bersama Indonesia, a community based initiative creating safe space space for women and children, promoting preventions, early detection and coordinated local responses. This is complemented by Sapa 129 National Hotline and digital reporting platforms. Indonesia ensures sustained implementations through gender responsive budgeting, guaranteeing adequate resources at both national and sub national levels. Our experience highlights several key lessons. First, policy must adapt to evolving threats, including technology facilitated violence.

Second, accessible reporting mechanisms and integrated service responses are indispensable as entry points for protection and justice. Third, strengthening national data and information system is crucial for evidence based policymaking and accountability. Fourth, advancing a whole of governments and a whole of society approach remains critical, including in addressing trafficking in persons and ensuring safe repatriations, reintegrations and empowerment of survivors. We acknowledge that challenges remain, particularly in harmonizing national laws and local regulations and building the capacity of service providers in remote and rural areas to ensure that no woman and girls is left behind. Moving forward, Indonesia remains committed to strengthening prevention efforts.

Gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I'll now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada. You have the floor,

Madam Chair. Distinguished Delegates Violence against women in 2025 remains one of the most widespread deadly human rights abuses. It's an honor for me to be here with you from the Ministry of Canada and I'm pleased to be taking the floor on violence against women and girls. There's something we know Indigenous peoples, black women, immigrants and refugee women, women in all their diversity, those with disabilities, women in remote areas and LGBTQI people are disproportionately impacted in Canada. In 2022, we launched a National Plan of Action.

The aim was to end gender based violence. We had a collaborative project. It was between the federal government, the provinces and the territories and it was structured around several pillars, namely support for victims and their families, active justice and prevention. We collaborated with various stakeholders in education, health care, justice and social services. Canada is consulting on an ongoing basis and we're investing in collecting data so as to meet the needs of victims and survivors of gender based violence.

The initiatives we've developed include an investigation into safety in public and private areas. And every five years we gather self declared disaggregated data. That data has to do with gender based violence and it helps our government track trends and it provides guidance for public policy. Just recently, in December 2025, Canada introduced in Parliament a reform of the criminal justice code so as to better assist gender based violence survivors. And we're addressing hate speech and femicide too.

That will be considered first degree murder. Underscoring the seriousness of this form of violence. We've criminalized coercive control too. That allows us to rapidly intervene in domestic violence situations. Our government has proposed a draft law to respond to emerging forms of technology facilitated violence.

These forms of violence affect women in particular. Let's think about sexual blackmailing and the non consensual dissemination of intimate images.

We underscore the damage that can be caused by these acts. We're also facilitating the testimony of those who are victims of partner violence and domestic violence and human trafficking. The dignity of the victims of sexual offenses is at the heart of the Canadian values and it guides our recent actions. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India. You have the floor.

Respected chair and distinguished delegates. India reaffirms the dignity and safety of

every woman and girl, is a non negotiable human right and is committed to put in place policy and governance structures to ensure this goal is realized. Let me elaborate a few of them. In 2024, India overhauled its criminal legislation system, establishing a strong survivor centric justice framework to highlight a few key aspects of this law. Provisions relating to offences against women and children are now considered in a separate dedicated chapter.

Sexual exploitation through deceit is explicitly criminalized. Punishment for perpetrators of heinous offences like gang rape are significantly enhanced and mandatory. Audio video recordings of victim statements ensure transparency and protect survivors from secondary trauma. But strong legislation alone cannot afford the desired protection. There must be governance structures to ensure justice is delivered.

Therefore, India has built an equally robust policy under the national mission called Shakti, under which nearly 900 One Stop Centres provide integrated medical, legal shelter, police and psychosocial counseling and safe stay services. Under one roof, they have assisted over a million women Across India. Women's helplines and emergency response systems have handled over 400 million calls and assisted nearly 10 million women. Nearly 850 anti human trafficking units work to rescue and rehabilitate survivors of trafficking women. Help desks in nearly 15,000 police stations and officials trained in forensic evidence handling are making justice delivery processes both humane and effective.

A central victim compensation fund supports survivors of sexual and gender based violence. Guided by the principle of justice delayed is justice denied. Fast Track Special courts set up exclusively to try cases related to heinous crimes against women and girls. Expedite disposal of sexual offence cases.

The Shebox, an online portal, enables real time filing and tracking of workplace harassment complaints across government and private sector. Another major step taken has been the institution of a dedicated national fund called the Nirbhaya Fund to fund projects and interventions both at federal and state government level for enhancing the safety of women. In the last decade, a billion US dollars has been allocated under this fund for nearly 50 projects countrywide which include safe cities interventions, safe railway stations, safe public transportation, cybercrime prevention and redress, to name a few. In conclusion, India reiterates its commitment to realize a society free from violence against women.

Learning from sharing Beck's practices with and working alongside all members of this August House. Thank you Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. You have the floor.

Thank you Chair. Distinct Participants on behalf of the National Commission on Women Right Women's affairs and Family Demographic Policy under the President of Kazakhstan, also being women rights defender over 30 years and taking part in very grave criminal cases every day, I would like to present the key outcomes of our national efforts to prevent gender based violence and protect the rights of women and children.

These results reflect the sustained political will of the head of state and coordinated interagency action. In 2024, Kazakhstan adopted one of the most progressive legislative packages in the region. Kazakhstan has criminalized acts of battery and the intentional infliction of minor harm committed in the domestic context. Criminal liability has been established for acts of stalking and kidnapping for forced marriage, sexual harassment of minors. Administrative liability for bullying and cyberbullying of children further reinforced that violence is not a private matter but a human rights violation requiring a clear state response.

To ensure implementation, established groups of women investigators for gender based violence investigations. This strengthens gender sensitive investigative practices and safeguards the dignity and safety of every survivor. Kazakhstan has introduced a national domestic violence risk assessment Standard. More than 5,500 assessments have already been conducted enabling early identification of individuals at higher risk of reoffending and shifting the focus from punishment to prevention. Today, 121 family support centers provide legal and psychological assistance and temporary shelter.

More than 2,000 mobile teams identified over 64,000 families in difficult situations. In 2024, 50 crisis centers and 10 child adaptation centers have supported more than 12,000 children, while the 247 National Hotline 111 ensures accessible assistance nationwide, these measures are producing tangible results. Serious domestic violence crimes have decreased by 20%, reaching a seven year low. Reports of violence declined from 115,000 in 2022 to 63,204 in 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of a systematic and comprehensive approach. More than 56% of.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan. I now give the floor to the delegation of the United Arab Emirates. You have the floor, Madam Chair. I thank the CSW and I thank all the distinguished experts for their valuable visions regarding an issue that affects us all. Gender based violence against women and girls is a cross border crime and is a growing threat to all societies and all countries.

This is not only in the physical space, but also in the digital space. The United Arab Emirates denounces all forms of violence against women and girls. Whether this was happening in the physical space or in the digital space, it is a real obstacle towards equal participation and meaningful participation of women and girls in our societies. Here we would like to highlight three priority areas that require special and immediate attention and concerted efforts. First, the empowerment of women and girls in all aspects of life is the most effective way to fight violence.

Due to the importance of our discussion today, we need to take firm steps to abolish all discriminatory measures, structural barriers to that prevent the equality of women and girls. We also worked on enhancing the protection of women and girls from domestic violence that enabled them to immediately access justice and law enforcement services. We also reduced all structural barriers that prevent the realization of justice because as a second point, because there's a growing reliance on technology, digital technology, there is a need to protect women and girls in the digital space. In this regard, fighting gender based violence is very important and as such, we responded to this challenge by expanding our legislation to criminalize sexual harassment in the digital space. Cyber harassment.

In that sense, we also track and monitor data to see that those areas that require priority attention also to ensure access to justice, prosecute perpetrators and ensure that we take into consideration the disparities between genders and ensure unrestricted access to health care services. In conclusion, we reiterate again our commitment to build a world where every woman, every girl can enjoy a life free of violence. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Thank you, Chair. It's an honor to participate in this high level meeting on behalf of Kingdom of Thailand to exchange views on ending violence against women and girls, which is an urgent global challenge and a major obstacle to achieving the sustainable development goals. On gender equality.

Thailand recognized violence against women and girls in all its forms including domestic violence, sexual abuse, workplace harassment, trafficking in person and violence in the digital sphere. Accordingly, we prioritize strengthening laws, policy and institutional mechanism guided by the principle of human rights and gender equality. In this regard, Thailand is amending the Domestic Violence Victim Protection act to strengthen protection measure while intensifying efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in person with particular attention to women, children and vulnerable groups. At the policy level, Thailand has adopted the National Action Plan on the Elimination of Violence Against Women focusing on strengthening legal, social media and digital protection mechanism and the first National Action Plan on Women peace and Security focusing on enhancing women's roles in conflict resolution. To support survivors, Thailand has established integrated assistance through the Social Assistance center hotline 1300 offering legal aid, social welfare support, psychosocial services and safety protection nationwide.

Thailand also value the meaningful participation of civil society and all partners and promote women's empowerment including through strengthening grassroots care economies and expanding women's participation in decision making at all levels. Madam Chair, ending violence against women and girls requires sustained and collective action from every one of us. Thailand remains firmly committed to working with the United nations and all partners to strengthen prevention, protection and accountability. Together, let us ensure that every woman and every girl can live free from fears and violence in safety, dignity and witful access to justice. States.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Sexual and gender based violence is the most pervasive human rights violation in the world, affecting all societies across all regions and requiring urgent coordinated action.

That's why we welcome that as a result of the CSW revitalisation process, this will be an annual high level meeting of csw. Ireland remains fully committed to the elimination of violence against women and girls nationally and internationally. We see this as central to realizing gender equality. This commitment will be a priority if we are elected for a seat on the Human Rights Council this year. For membership from 2027 to 2029.

The voices and perspectives of victims and survivors of gender based violence are essential when developing policy and law. And we thank the many survivors who've courageously shared this week their experiences in New York. An understanding of the root causes of gender inequalities, including harmful masculinities and mis and disinformation, as well as the measures needed to address and prevent these are also central to informing our work. Through our partnerships, Ireland provides dedicated support for comprehensive survivor centered, non discriminatory trauma informed services. This includes sexual and reproductive health services for survivors of gender based violence.

Ireland funds initiatives to this end through women's rights organisations, NGOs and UN agencies. Domestically, we've taken a zero tolerance strategy to tackle domestic sexual and gender based violence. We've also introduced a new national strategy for women and girls and have strengthened protections through legislative measures such as coco's law, which criminalizes the sharing and also the threatening to share intimate images online without consent. We have also recently adopted our fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. It's important to recognize that the risk of violence is compounded for marginalised women, including LGBTQI women, women who face racial or ethnic discrimination and women with disabilities.

An intersectional holistic approach is therefore essential at a time of severe pushback against gender equality. Ireland's firmly committed to eliminating gender based violence and we will continue to work alongside partners including member states and civil society to achieve this. Thank you.

Lori Las Gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali,

Madame La President. Madam Chair, it's an honor for Mali through me to be taking the floor before this August Assembly. Mali is a party to the main international and regional instruments on the promotion and protection of the rights of women. These principles are also enshrined in our Constitution. Nonetheless, the socio economic conditions sometimes impede our efforts with many violations and the primary and most numerous victims of these violations are women and girls.

These violations are exacerbated in the crisis situation that we're facing. Our government has adopted a program to stop violence in July 2019 aiming to ensure the prevention of all activities undertaken in this regard. In order to better guide these activities, we have a national holistic strategy and we have a national communication strategy as well that were developed.

And we have created a center for data and mapping. We are engaging in awareness raising in all places about violence against women and girls and violence against women and girls has been criminalized. Despite our efforts, violence to women and girls remains a deeply disturbing phenomenon.

According to the data we have, we note that 32% and a number of men are also falling victim to violence before the age of 15.

38% of women are victims of sexual, physical or emotional violence from their partners and that figure is 9% for men, 49% of women up to 49 and over 60% of girls are circumcised. According to our information system put in place, at least some 6,000 incidents are reported in 2025 and some and many. And there was a reduction in 2025 and we've seen a large reduction in the geographic coverage of services and we have a challenging security situation.

Looking forward, Molly. Madam Chair is aiming to continue our actions to ensure prevention and care for violent incidents. We're doing this through our national data in order to track. Microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mali and will now give the floor to Her Excellency Maria Guijarno Ceballos, Head of Delegation and Secretary of State for Equality and for the Eradication of Violence Against Women of Spain.

Thank you, Chair. Violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most persistent human rights violations and it should be a major issue for states. Our focus is. Our response is focused on prevention, a comprehensive response and ensuring that this work continues in the area of prevention.

Spain has driven legal reform and policy reform aimed at addressing the structural causes of violence against women. And for this we have the Law on the Comprehensive Protection against Gender Based Violence and the General Law Against Sexual Violence. We have a State Pact Against Gender Violence, which is an unprecedented one, including more than 200 measures and a budget of 1.5 billion euros. It is aimed at combating all forms of violence against women and this includes economic violence, digital violence, sexual violence and trafficking. It includes several hundred concrete measures.

We also have improved technological tools, innovative tools aimed at assessing the risk of violence and coordinating victim protection in conjunction with police and security services. Another program is the COMETA system. This allows for remote tracking of restraining orders. And we also have a 24 hour toll free telephone line, the 016 number, offering 24 hour support for victims. We also have 58 crisis centers.

They run 24 hours a day for victims of sexual violence. And we also have atenpro, which is a telephone support line providing immediate and ongoing support for victims. A key element is collaboration with civil society organisations and women's rights organisations. Experience has shown us that these policies only work when they are integrated into coordinated national plans and when they have adequate financing. We should adopt budgets with a gender perspective and ensure specifically earmarked resources in order to effectively and fairly combat violence against women and girls.

Because the main security emergency in our societies is gender violence. I thank you.

I thank the Secretary of State for Equality and the Eradication of Violence against Women of Spain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Greece joins the 17th session of the Commission on the Status of Women to reform its unwavering commitment to zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and girls.

Gender based violence is not only a grave human rights violation, it is a structural barrier to equality, social cohesion and sustainable development. In 2025, Greece strengthened its legal framework by integrating the criminal provisions of the European Union directive on combating violence against women. New offices, including female genital mutilation, forced marriage and cyber harassment are now explicitly codified, ensuring that both online and online forms of abuse are are addressed in line with European and international standards. Legislation must be matched by protection. In practice, Greece maintains a national wide network of 68 support structures including 24, 7 social helpline, 47 counseling service centers and 20 shelters.

The panic button application provides women at high risk with a district emergency alert mechanism enabling mediate police response. Our sixth annual report highlights economic violence as a critical and often invisible dimension of abuse. Given the significant socioeconomic impact of gender based violence in Greece, we are investing in survivors economic empowerment through targeted employment and housing support programs in collaboration with public employment service at the international level. As an elected member of UN Security Council for 2027, 25, 2026 Greece places the women peace and security agenda at the center of its foreign policy. We continue close cooperation with the Council of Europe and CREVIO monitoring mechanism to ensure full implementation of the instable convention.

Ending gender based violence is essential to safeguarding democracy itself. Greece remains firmly committed to ensuring that every woman and girl can live in safety, dignity and equality. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Greece. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Ministers. Since these violence against women and girls is not inevitable. It is the most extreme form and representation of inequality. It is a grave violation of of human rights and a key obstacle for our democracies and for consolidating peace. Violence is not normal.

It cannot be normalized. More than 30% of women in Mexico have suffered some form of violence over the course of their lives. According to our national statistics. This reality means that we must combat this structural inequality. We are driving forward a national commitment for happiness and for respect for women.

This deals with prevention and strengthening the institutional response to gender based violence. It stems from a clear political conviction. Eradicating violence requires responsibility from all actors of government and state, but also from society, the media, the private sector, communications communities and also men. Violence is not just about changing norms. We must also change power relations as well as the narrative.

And this requires a profound cultural transformation. We are working to strengthen inter institutional coordination, to launch victims based standards and to ensure that people act with due diligence. This is why we have response mechanisms so that when women decides to lodge a complaint or depress charges, she will have support.

It's about emerging from violence and we know that this is not enough. In order to prevent violence, we must change the conditions that bring it about. Social exclusion, we know, increases vulnerability to violence. And this is why our national system supports economic empowerment as a central part of our preventive strategy. We are thus having new forms of expression with coordination to allow for expression of women and girls.

The challenges are not unique to any one country.

We must reaffirm that violence against women and girls is a question of universal human rights. Defending multilateralism means having common standards that protect rights and that guide our public policies. The eradication of violence is about the daily lives of millions of women that change their decisions out of fear. Women and girls should be free rather than constantly suffering the threat or fear of violence. We are committed to our feminist and multilateral policy so that no woman and no girl has to live in fear.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago. You have the floor. Distinguished Chair Excellencies. It is an honor to register the continued dedication of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the eradication of gender based violence here in your distinguished presence at CSW 70.

Trinidad and Tobago remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring access to justice and safety for all women and girls. We have fundamentally strengthened our legislative framework through the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 2020 which provides critical protection orders and expanded remedies for survivors. Recognizing that prevention requires transforming social norms, our Barbershop initiative engages men and boys in healthy and positive masculinity. And the SARA Project targets male engagement in preventing sexual exploitation. Furthermore, our National Strategic Action Plan on gender based violence 2023-2027 serves as a costed results based whole of government framework with built in monitoring and accountability to ensure a seamless response.

We have upgraded the Central Registry on Domestic Violence utilizing digital case management to ultimately improve institutional integration. Through the Spotlight initiative, we have institutionalized data capacity and strengthened frontline health care protocols. Our survivor centered approach prioritizes both immediate safety and long term independence. These include access to justice provided through free legal aid and advice services. Protection.

Our national Domestic violence shelter provides a safe Haven for women and their children, offering on site counseling, legal advice and health care. Economic empowerment. Survivors are supported via scholarships, skills training and business startup grants to ensure financial autonomy. Together, through these integrated measures, we continue to strive for a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear of violence or abuse of any kind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago. We will next hear from the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. You have the floor.

Good afternoon, Excellencies. Ladies and gentlemen. Violence against women and girls is an international challenge. It requires that we step up our efforts because it is a violation of humanity and development for everyone. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia puts the struggle against violence done to women and girls at the center of its attention.

We're confronting this problem through legislation, numerous laws and programs. These have been strengthened by our national and international commitments and we have also signed on to this CEDAW in this regard, ladies and gentlemen, the empowerment of women is an integral component of the vision of Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 and has been ever since our independence. And we've shown resilience to all forms of violence. We've achieved many positive results. At the Saudi women, more than 35% of them were participating in certain national activities.

This brought about a 40% increase in women's participation. We've elaborated a system to protect women, to protect them against harassment and ill treatment. We did this through telephone hotlines and we provided them with assistance, provided victims and survivors with support as well, so as to protect them against all types of molestation and violence, including online protection is guaranteed at the institutional level against violence.

Internationally, my country contributes to the promotion of women in societies that are the most needy through the King Salman center.

And we've provided over $60 million throughout the world. The promotion of women and girls against violations is not only a moral obligation, it's a responsibility at the international level. My country reaffirms its commitment to press forward with international efforts to ensure there are societies that know peace, justice and human dignity. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative representative of Azerbaijan. Thank you very much, Excellencies, Madam Chair and distinguished participants. Addressing violence against women and girls is not only about discussing a social issue. It's about upholding human rights, justice and equality. In Azerbaijan, a series of measures are being implemented to combat violence.

Domestic violence amendments were introduced to the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence. According to these amendments, the scope of the persons covered by the law has been expanded. The procedures for issuing short term protection orders have also been revised. Repeated violations of the requirements of legislation on the prevention measures will now constitute a new administrative offence. In addition, a new interagency coordination mechanism has been established to support individuals affected by the domestic violence.

The main areas of activity of the monitoring and coordination groups include ensuring inter institutional coordination in the prevention of domestic violence, conducting monitoring activities, organizing public awareness campaigns and ensuring the protection and safety of the survivors and minors under their care. Protection mechanisms have also been strengthened. Interpretation services are provided for those who don't speak native language. In cases where the survivor is under the age of 16 or a person with a disability, the participation of pedagogue and psychologists is ensured during the investigations and hearings. Under the new amendment, survivors are free from paying state fees for applying the court for a long term protection order.

2 Women Support Hotline continue to provide assistance to women facing domestic violence. Every year awareness raising activities are organized within the framework of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence campaign. Dear colleagues, as a society we must demonstrate zero tolerance for violence against women and girls in all levels. Safeguarding the dignity of women and girls are among the fundamental conditions for building a strong society for all of us. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burundi, Madame la Presidente. Madam Chair. Ladies and gentlemen. The fight against the evil of violence against women and girls requires synergistic actions on several fronts.

To better counter this violence, the Government of Burundi has set up a legal framework seeking to eradicate this type of violence. In particular, we have the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Criminal Code, A specific law on gender based violence. And we have a law against human trafficking. Furthermore, we have the revised Criminal Code of procedure of 2018.

It gives legal standing to associations duly accredited at least five years before the incident, the right to lodge a complaint on behalf of victims of violence against women and girls. Turning to the policy front, Burundi has a national strategy to counter sexual and gender based violence. SGBV and we've had that plan since 2009. Our government has taken several steps including an evaluation of these social barriers that block that impede women from flourishing. And we've set up a Department for the Prevention of Sexual and gender based violence.

And we are holistically caring for victims. We've also created five centers for providing holistic care to victims. We have a system to collect data on sexual and gender based violence. It is operational, allowing for evidence based planning on the institutional level, the strengthening of specialized chambers in our high courts and prosecutors on gender based violence. For rapid treatment of files that's been set up.

In closing, we reiterate our commitment to continue fighting violence against women and girls. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to participate in this high level meeting on a very important topic which is violence against women and girls. This has real social, economic and development dimensions. The protection of women and girls is essential to build a society based on mutual respect. This will have a positive impact on the development and growth of society. Therefore, we need to pay special attention to prevention as a main pillar to build a safe and secure society.

Algeria has made sure to protect the dignity of women through a number of policies and programs to empower women. Women and girls have express constitutional protection. A number of grave sanctions were issued against perpetrators of violence against women. There were new amendments to the law in order to strengthen the protection of women. We also have the Law on Children to provide protection to girls, to make sure they are not mistreat or no violence is perpetrated against them.

We also have a number of measures taken in order to protect women. We also collaborate with civil society. They provide services in order to accompany women victims of violence. We also have precautionary measures through awareness raising campaigns.

The government also launched a line, a green line to provide protection to women. We also have websites in order to provide guidance to families and to victims. Furthermore, we also have facilities to provide free services to victims of violence. We also accompany them and make sure they are reintegrated into society and the economy. Furthermore, we also have shelters that provide services to women, services of shelter, psychosocial services, pedagogical services so that they are reintegrated into society.

We also have national programs in order to help women housewives to participate in society. They help those who are in difficult conditions, who are in a state of domestic violence in order to support their families. In conclusion, we renew our call to strengthen and intensify efforts. The microphone was cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France. You have the floor.

Madame la President, Madam Chair, Ministers, Ambassadors, ladies and gentlemen, we're here today at the 70th session of the CSW. At this time, violence against women and girls continues to rise.

It's amplified by crises and conflicts. It's galvanized by new technology and it is concealed by the impunity of perpetrators. There's no limit or borders in this phenomenon. It's found in chaotic conflict zones and in households, the bodies of women and girls have been mutilated, violated, raped and transformed into battlefields. In the extremist cases, they're simply eliminated from society in almost complete denial of their right to exist.

1 out of 3 women's fall victim to sexual violence in their life. And we can't guarantee girls that are born now that they won't be hit by this terrible statistic. Rape is used as a weapon of war. There's been a dismaying increase in this by more than 90% in two years. Sexual and reproductive violence is not only drastic for the lives of women, violence against women leads them to incur considerable risk and it can cause their death.

France has put violence against women in the forefront of its national and international policy. You can see that in our feminist policy, we've addressed our legal framework. We've engaged in mass training, provided tools to protect victims and tools to address perpetrators. And we've punished violence against women and girls. What of its nature, be it domestic violence, sexual violence, psychological violence or technology facilitated violence?

In order to do this, we're relying on a demanding legal framework like the Convention of Europe on the prevention of violence against Women and on domestic violence, called the Istanbul Convention. Laws should name violence against women and girls for what they are, that is deliberate violence. Bearing that in mind, the legal system needs to respond firmly and appropriately. For as long as women and girls suffer this violence, we can't achieve real equality. The fight against this violence needs to be universal and unconditional.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France. We will now hear from the distinguished delegation of Liechtenstein.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. Sexual and gentle based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. Despite decades of international commitments, including the near universal ratification of CEDAW, no country has been spared.

Globally, women aged 15 to 44 face a greater risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, car accidents, war and malaria combined. A staggering 60% of women murdered and killed by intimate partners or family members. The persistent culture of impunity for sexual and gender based violence is unacceptable. A paradigm shift is needed to place a stigma on perpetrators rather than survivors. Supported by strong state systems capable of prevention, protection and accountability, it is high time that we redouble our efforts to eliminate discouragement.

Madam Chair. Well, armed conflicts fuel higher level of sexual and gender based violence. This escalation should not be mistaken for inevitability, but taken as a result for systemic disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law. Responding to these grave patterns, accountability is central to prevention. International criminal law has made important advances from the Rome statutes, explicit recognition of sexual violence as war crimes and crimes against humanity, to the ICC's bamboo judgment affirming command responsibility for rape by subordinates, to the ICTR's Akayesa ruling establishing sexual violence as an act of genocide alongside gender sensitive international investigative mechanisms that strengthen accountability and deepen understanding of prosecution patterns.

We must have zero tolerance for gender based violence, ensure survivors have safe reporting avenues and comprehensive services and intensify efforts to fully investigate and prosecute violations, including before the icc. Madam Chair, Liechtenstein is a committed state party to the Istanbul Convention which is open to ratification by non Council of Europe members. We encourage all who have not yet done so to join this key instrument to take our efforts one step further. At the national level, Liechtenstein now offers forensic nursing consultations to survivors of domestic violence and is in the process of introducing compulsory violence prevention measures. Together, let us transform our commitments into real change for women and girls.

I thank you so much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Czechia.

Thank you. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished guests.

I'm pleased to briefly present the Czech Republic's approach and recent progress in ending violence against women and girls. Preventing and responding to violence requires clear laws, effective institutions and accessible support for survivors. Over the past year we have taken concrete steps across all these areas. In January 2025, the Czech Republic reformed the legal definition of rape. It is now based on the simple principle no means no and explicitly recognizes situations in which a victim freezes and is unable to resist.

This reform represents an important step toward a consent based approach and stronger protection of survivors rights. We have also strengthened the capacity of judiciary specialized criminal courts. Court senates now deal with sexual offences and domestic violence. Furthermore, as of January 2026 all judges are required to prepare individual professional development plans. Law can only be effective if it is applied with expertise and sensitivity.

Addressing technology facilitated violence is another priority. We are currently implementing the EU Directive on Combating Violence against Women. As of January 2026, the creation and non consensual sharing of deep fake pornogr constitute a criminal offence. Protection has been strengthened beyond criminal law. A comprehensive definition of domestic violence has been incorporated into our Civil code encompassing physical, psychological, sexual and economic abuse.

This amendment extends the maximum duration of restraining orders and requires the police to confiscate weapons from perpetrators. Beyond legislation, we address root causes through norm change and sectoral prevention with public campaigns, updated teacher training and curricula, targeted safety measures in public transport based on nationwide surveys and specialised police training on online sexist hate speech and cyber violence. Our legal reforms are further supported by policy measures. Our gender equality strategy includes a dedicated chapter on gender based violence, followed by a three year action plan setting out clear measures and responsibilities. Special services, largely provided by civil society organizations, remain a cornerstone of our response.

A recent legislative reform ensures that funds collected from financial sanctions imposed on perpetrators are redirected to support NGOs assisting survivors. One example, funded by government grants, is the Port Centre operated by the NGO Profam, which loy las gracias.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Czech Republic. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Let me begin by stating a harsh reality. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. We must confront this reality with resolve and concrete measures. To this end, I would like to make three points.

First, prevention through education. Violence prevention must begin in the earliest stages of life. Educational institutions are not merely centers of learning. They are vital protective environments. This is particularly critical in conflict zones where the targeting of schools eliminates safe spaces and amplifies the vulnerability of girls, pushing them into high risk environments.

This is why Austria recently co hosted an ARIA formula meeting with Panama, focusing on safe education as a means to break cycles of violence and protect children in armed conflict. Second, we must translate global commitments into national action. To this end, Austria recently launched its National Action Plan to Combat violence against Women and Girls for the period 25 to 29. This comprehensive framework was developed through the collaboration of experts from politics, science and civil society and it consolidates 350 targeted measures. Our goal is clear.

To create a society where every woman and every girl can live a life in dignity, safety and full self determination. This includes, and that's the third point, the evolving frontier of digital threats. As much of our communication shifts online, so does the reach of perpetrators. Cyber harassment is no longer an emerging issue, it is already a reality.

We must find ways to ensure women and girls are safe in both physical and digital spaces. Austria will continue to combat violence against women and girls with unwavering determination. This commitment will remain a key priority of our work, including as a member of the UN Security Council 27, 28 should we be elected in the upcoming June elections. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. We will now hear from the distinguished representative of Estonia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. Violence against women and girls remains One of the most pervasive and persistent human rights violations.

This compels us to move from commitments to scalable systemic action. Allow me to share Estonia's experience, our good practices, challenges and lessons learned. First, political priority and continuity. In Estonia, preventing and combating domestic violence is a clear national priority. We are implementing our second national Action Plan on domestic violence.

The lesson is sustainable change requires long term strategy and political ownership. Second, integrated services. We increasingly link child protection and victim support services. Because violence never affects only one person, it affects families and especially children. Only through integrated action can we break intergenerational cycles of violence.

Third, partnership with civil society. Estonia has a state funded victim support system. The state finances and holds overall responsibility. Meanwhile, women specific services such as women's shelters are largely provided by women's NGOs. This model combines stability with community based expertise and trust.

Clear roles and mutual trust create the strongest safety net. Fourth, strengthening the legal framework. The Estonian Parliament is currently debating a consent based definition of rape. This reform aligns our legislation with international human rights standards and strengthens protection for victims. Importantly, it is supported by strong and active civil society engagement, demonstrating that societal attitudes are evolving.

Meanwhile, we must also address a critical gap in our collective response. The focus on perpetrators. Too often our systems concentrate primarily on protecting and supporting supporting victims, while perpetrators continue to operate with relative impunity. In the majority of cases, perpetrators of violence against women are men. Acknowledging this reality is not about blaming men.

It is about designing effective policies. Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Our duty is to close those gaps, legal, institutional and cultural, and make it unequivocally clear that responsibility always lies with the perpetrator. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Estonia. I will now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iceland.

Thank you. Madam Chair. Madam Chair. Gender based violence is deeply rooted in inequality, harmful norms and power imbalances. During a time of growing backlash against women's rights and freedoms, we must defend the progress that has been so hard won and double down on our efforts to end violence against women and girls in all their diversity.

Making progress towards gender equality is essential to addressing gender based violence. However, we know from experience. Paradoxically, there is not always a direct correlation between women's empowerment and a reduction in violence against women and girls. Ending gender based violence remains a priority for Iceland both domestically and internationally. Even in the supposedly safest and most gender equal countries in the world, violence against women and girls remains real.

We welcome the adoption of agreed conclusions which emphasize access to justice an imperative factor to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, both online and offline. Iceland has made various reforms and implemented measures to improve its legal framework, response and support for victims of gender based violence. Recently, the government introduced a new strategy entailing wide ranging actions to implement the Istanbul Agreement and renew our commitment to better justice in cases of sexual and gender based violence. Iceland has also emphasized direct digital access for survivors of gender based violence to information about their own case and to services of public, institution and civil society organizations. Partners across government and civil society are united in their victim oriented approach.

We have many good practices to share, but we also remain committed to continuing to implement new policies, evolve and better our endeavours. Madam Chair Gender based violence is not inevitable. It is preventable. Yet it continues to persist in every region of the world affecting millions of women and girls. Too often it remains hidden behind silence, stigma and fear.

It is a grave violation of human rights and a profound barrier to equality and dignity. Preventing gender based violence requires more than responding after harm has occurred. We must confront uncomfortable truths, challenge the norms and attitudes that excuse abuse and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. Silence cannot be an option and indifference cannot be tolerated. Real progress requires coordinated and sustained action across all sectors.

Education

I thank the distinguished representative of Iceland. We will now hear from the distinguished delegation of Yemen.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. This meeting is an important opportunity to strengthen collective work to eradicate violence against women and girls, to strengthen their rights and guarantee their protection, especially in conflict areas and in humanitarian crises. Madam Chairperson, the Yemeni government pays special attention to providing support to victims of violence among women and girls by strengthening the capacities of monitoring, reporting and reparation mechanisms through the Yemen Women's Union and its branches in the governorate. We also communicate with public prosecutors and strengthen the response of courts. We also provide legal aid to victims.

The Yemeni government is also directly responding to the needs of victims by expanding the scope of psychosocial and legal support services to guarantee that we reach the most affected categories. We also provide facilities to the work of the National Committee to investigate allegations of human rights violence violations as an independent national mechanism in line with the instructions of the Presidential Leadership Council. Madam Chairperson, Houthi militias are perpetrating grave and systemic violations against women and girls. They exploit the standing of women in the Yemeni society to impose restrictions and violations that include denial of political, economic and social rights. They also kidnap these women and detain them in secret prisons.

These female detainees are subjected to all forms of physical and psychological violence because of their activism or political affiliation. These militias are adopting tools of oppression and terror. They also use the female security arm known as the Female Followers of Zainab. They also implement electronic defamation campaigns against these female activists. A number of these women still languish in the prisons of these militias in grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The international community must take decisive measures to put an end to these violations and hold these perpetrators accountable. In conclusion, the Yemeni government reaffirms its commitment to continue its efforts to address the root causes of violence against women and girls to strengthen the role of concerned national institutions in order to integrate. The microphone was cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Yemen. I'll now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Myanmar.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished participants. Today the world continues to witness grave crimes committed against women and girls. The challenges faced by our women girls in Myanmar remain a stark example. In Myanmar, the military junta has intensified its use of systemic violence against the civilian population with a disproportionate and brutal focus on women and girls.

Since the illegal military Coup in Myanmar 2021, countless UN reports have repeatedly alarmed us of the atrocities committed by the perpetrators. And the reports of the double IMMM have also confirmed that the Honda's actions, including widespread sexual and gender based violence constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Violence against women is being used as a deliberate tool of war by the military Hunter. With over 10.4 million women and girls requiring urgent humanitarian assistance and millions displaced, the scale of this man made catastrophe is staggering. Yet the resilience of Myanmar women remain our strongest asset.

The recent launch the Myanmar WPS position paper is the result of the uniform efforts by Myanmar's women led CSO encapsulating their collective security visions and their demands for a future free from military tyranny. The Nug ERO and CSO are not waiting for the conflict to end to seek justice. Together we are building interim justice structure that prioritize survivor centered care and accountability. These efforts ensure that even in the midst of revolution, the voices of survivors are heard and their rights are protected. We therefore encourage the international community to earnestly match the courage of Myanmar's women with decisive action.

The decades long cultural impunity enjoyed by the Myanmar military junta must end once and for all. International donors must provide direct, flexible and sustained support to the frontline CSOs and resistance authorities who are the primary responders to gender based violence. Immediate targeted sanctions and a complete halt to the flow of ants and jet fuel must be imposed effectively on the Military hunter to stop the hunter's daily atrocities. Most importantly, we cannot allow the hunter to conceal its its international crimes through its sham election. This attempt must be rejected and evocatively by the international community.

The root cause of this violence clearly is the military dictatorship. Our goal remains unchanged. We will continue to uphold our commitment for the establishment of genuine federal democratic union where the safety and fundamental rights of every woman and girls.

I thank the distinguished representative of Myanmar and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Micronesia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Micronesia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to gender equality and to the shared Objectives of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. In 2025, Micronesia launched its revised gender equality policy at its 10th FSM Women's Conference. The policy provides a comprehensive framework to integrate gender across all sectors, reflecting our determination to advance equality in law and practice. Its six strategic goals aligned with global and regional commitments focusing on eliminating violence against women and girls, promoting women's economic empowerment, strengthening participation in decision making and ensuring legal protection under the law.

The Conference recommendations reinforce those priorities across areas such as culture, economic development, leadership, health, gender based violence and climate change. Implementation is led by our National Department of Health and Social affairs with two of our four states, the State of Koshua and Bohn Bay, adopting specific policies and measures that protect women and girls from domestic violence. Micronesia continues to pursue ongoing reforms, fulfill our reporting requirements under CETAW and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to uphold treaty commitments while seeking international cooperation to advance policy development and implementation. We value international partnership and technical cooperation to further advance these efforts in line with SDG 5 and 16 and the mandates of this Commission. Regionally, Micronesia actively participates in Micronesia Gender Equality Framework under the Micronesian island forum launched in 2025, which enhances coordination, resource mobilization and action to end gender based violence, promote women's leadership and support economic empowerment.

Our Constitution enshrines equal protection and fundamental rights for all. Our strategic development plan reinforces these principles with a strong focus on eliminating gender based violence and supporting survivors. Micronesia remains steadfast in championing the rights of of women and girls and will continue to work towards eliminating all forms of violence against our.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Federated States of Micronesia. We will now hear from the delegation of Bulgaria. You have the floor. Thank you, Madam President. It's been said several times violence against women and girls is among the most persistent human rights violation of our time.

The fact that at least one of three women globally experiences physical and sexual violence in her lifetime is a stark reminder that commitment must be matched with decisive, sustained action. The slow pace of progress compels us to accelerate the implementation of further international commitment. Prevention requires addressing discriminatory norms, inequal power relations and harmful stereotypes both offline and online. Bulgaria continues to strengthen its legislative framework to combat domestic and gender based violence, including through amendments to criminal and prosecution protection roles, enhanced victim protection measures and improved inter institutional coordination. We are investing in training for police, prosecutors and judges to promote gender sensitive and trauma informed approaches and in awareness raising initiatives targeting young people, including in digital sphere.

At the same time, response mechanism must be survived, centered, accessible and adequately resourced. Bulgaria is working to enhance coordination among health, social and justice services and to improve access to legal aid and psychological support. We recognize the indispensable role of civil society in women's organization in prevention, protection and long term recovery and continue to support the engagement. We must also address sexual violence in conflict, which remains a brutal tactic of war and the grave breach of international law. Survivors of conflict related sexual violence face stigma, trauma and profound barriers to justice.

Accountability for such crimes is essential not only for the dignity of survivors, but also for sustainable peace. We stand in solidarity with women and girls affected by armed conflicts, including in Ukraine and other crisis settings, and reaffirm the need to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law. Technology presents both risk and opportunities. While digital platforms have facilitated new forms of abuse, they also offer tools for reporting, data collecting and support services, harnessing technology responsibly in partnership with the private sector and civil society.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bulgaria. I will now give the floor to Cote d'. Ivoire.

Madame la Presidente, Madam Chair, my delegation welcomes the convening of this high level meeting on Violence against Women and Girls at which His Excellency Mr. Elisan Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d', Ivoire, attaches the greatest possible attention to this issue. The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against women, adopted in 1993 at the United Nations General assembly, recognizes violence against women and girls as a violation of human rights rights. This meeting is therefore an opportunity for us to reaffirm our political will so as to galvanize the struggle against this scourge. It should also serve as a catalyst to make to ensure the promotion of the rights of women and girls. Violation Violence against women and girls, despite international instruments and national laws that suppress them, has gained ground in all countries of the world.

There's no society that can lay claim to sustainable development for as long as its women and girls live under a constant threat of violence. Indeed, there was a Study carried out by the World Health Organization. It estimates that 35% of women, that's one out of three women, have indicated that they were. They experienced violence throughout their life. Well aware of the seriousness of this phenomenon and its impact on the lives of individuals as well as the economic.

On the economic development of the state, our government has taken on commitments through legislation and institutions to stem this scourge. Thus, at the Nairobi summit in 2019, Cote d' Ivoire committed solemnly to reducing by 15% early marriage and female genital mutilation by 2030. My country notes with deep concern the fact that there are persistent socio cultural practices that are harmful. And there are also new forms of violence, digital violence, namely online intimidation and cyber harassment. Despite all of these efforts, this is why it's important to roll out sound responses to end impunity, to hold to account to the perpetrators of these crimes.

And we need to accelerate steps through national strategies that are given sufficient resources and financing. And we need to step up financing for movements that protect the rights of women. Furthermore, like other countries of the world, Cote d' Ivoire has organized the campaign called 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. This campaign has the goal of raising the awareness about all forms of violence against women. And this violence is a violation of human rights.

The microphone has been cut off. I thank the distinguished representative of Cote d'. Ivoire. I'll now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Madam Chair, delighted to see you leading this session and wonderful to see you leading women in Costa Rica as well.

Violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most widespread and persistent forms of human rights violations. Combating gender based violence requires prevention, support for survival and sustained financing. We have strengthened our public policy and legal framework in order to prevent and address these forms of violence. This includes different forms of gender based violence. Physical, economic, sexual, digital violence that requires the state to intervene in order to protect women.

Colombia is also working on transforming social norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence. We have a holistic approach in areas such as education, security and justice. And also we are promoting public campaigns and training that question stereotypes and that are based on respect and equality. We're also broadening the use of technological tools also to have greater and broader channels to help people victims lodge complaints and also support for survivors. We offer holistic support across health care, justice, social services and well, a key area has been joint work together with civil society and women's associations.

They play a fundamental role in supporting and accompanying survivors and building trust within communities and reaching out into the territories. Nevertheless, Chair, there are still some major challenges that we face. We must broaden coverage of services across the country. We must strengthen our institutional capacity and close the gaps in financing that are limiting prevention and support programs. There are efforts to undermine the progress that has been made in terms of women's rights and we must shore up the services for interdimensional support.

We will not be backsliding. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia and we will now hear from the distinguished representative of Bob Bedos.

Thank you, Chair for decades, violence against women and girls has remained one of the greatest obstacles to achieving gender equality. Its impact extends far beyond physical harm. It limits opportunities, constrains social and economic participation and undermines the ability of victims to realize their full potential. Even the fear of violence generates absenteeism, insecurity and social inclusion, eroding the well being of families and communities alike. Addressing gender based violence remains a top priority for the Government of Barbados.

Our response has been multifaceted, combining legal frameworks, social development initiatives and community engagement strategies. Recognizing the need to evaluate and strengthen our efforts efforts, the Government of Barbados hosted a National Consultation on domestic violence in March 2025 which brought together stakeholders from across society and generated actionable recommendations to enhance our response to domestic and gender based violence. Central to our approach is the need for awareness and sensitization. The Government has implemented a community outreach program to reinforce the message that violence against women and girls is unacceptable. The Government also recognizes the pivotal role of the justice system and law enforcement in addressing gender based violence.

In alignment with the United Nations International Women's Day theme this year we will provide ongoing training for members of the judiciary and the Barbados Police Service to strengthen capacity and ensure effective gender sensitive responses. A holistic approach is fundamental to our strategy. As such, a National Committee on Gender Based Violence was established which has intensified its work in recent months including allocating a budget for the development of a National Plan of Action against Gender Based Violence in the next financial year. Efforts to deepen knowledge and capacity includes plans for specialized training in gender based violence in emergency situations. We also recognize that men and boys are integral to the solution.

Engaging them in meaningful dialogue, particularly at the secondary and tertiary education levels, is essential to fostering culture culture change and reducing violence across generations. Addressing perpetrators is equally important. The Partnership for Peace program has set successfully completed 16 cohorts and we are committed to conducting a comprehensive review to enhance its effectiveness, recruit and train facilitators and launch the 17th cohort in the new financial year. At the same time we remain dedicated to providing safe spaces for

I thank the distinguished representative of Barbados. We have heard the last speaker in the interactive discussion for the High level meeting and we are now going to view a pre recorded statement.

Just to remind those of you who are here in the room that it is the video presenting the message of Ms. Nigad dad from Pakistan that we were unable to project before Focusing on digital challenges but also constructive use of digital technology including AI. Thank you.

Particularly across the globe, technology facilitated gender based violence has become one of the most significant barriers to women safe and meaningful participation in digital spaces, particularly across the global South. As more women access the Internet for education, economic opportunity activism and political participation, these same digital environments are increasingly being weaponized against them. Women journalists, human rights defenders, politicians and activists frequently face coordinated harassment, non consensual sharing of intimate images, impersonation, doxing and threats of sexual violence online. These attacks are rarely isolated incidents. They are often targeted campaigns aimed at silencing women and pushing them out of public discourse.

What makes TFTBB particularly harmful is the scale and permanence of digital platforms. Harmful content can spread within minutes, replicated across platforms and borders, leaving survivors with little control once the harm begins. The rise of generative artificial intelligence has made this challenge even more complex. AI generated defects and manipulated images are increasingly used to create non consensual sexual content and reputational attacks against women. These tools significantly lower the barrier to producing highly convincing abusive content while making detection and accountability far more difficult.

Governments must therefore take a proactive role. Strong legal frameworks are needed to address technology facilitated abuse, but these laws must be carefully designed to protect survivors without undermining freedom of expression or legitimate dissent. Rights respecting regulation is both possible and necessary. Encouragingly, some governments have developed meaningful responses. Australia's eSafety commissioner has established one of the most effective survivor centered mechanism for reporting and removing image based abuse online.

Similar policy discussions within online safety frameworks in the UK and other jurisdictions demonstrate that governments can create systems that prioritize safety while safeguarding fundamental rights. Platform accountability is equally critical. Through my work at the Meta Oversight Board, we have seen firsthand how emerging technologies are reshaping online harms. In a recent case reviewed by the Board, AI generated explicit images of female public figures, including a prominent woman from India, were circulated on MATTERS platforms. The Board found that the images violated MATTERS own rules and highlighted that the company policies on deep fake sexual imagery were not sufficiently clear, calling for stronger protections and clear standards around non consensual manipulated media.

These cases highlight an important lesson Addressing TFTBB requires more than reactive moderation. Platforms must demonstrate clear institutional will to prioritize user safety, invest in detection system for AI generated abuse, and ensure meaningful reporting and remedy mechanisms for victims. Ultimately, addressing tech facilitated violence requires coordinated action. Governments, platforms and civil society must work together to ensure that digital spaces remain open, safe and inclusive. Protecting women online is not only a safety issue, it is fundamental to protecting equality, democratic participation and human rights in the digital age.

Mucho gracias, Port Ambalios. That was a very valuable video. I'm now going to hand over to the moderator to highlight some of the takeaways from from today's discussion.

Thank you very much Madam Chair. It's been a very intense and very rich discussion also this afternoon and I think it's clear that we all agree on the urgency really to recognize and to address to stop violence against women and girls in all the different forms that have been illustrated.

And also a focus I think very strongly that came through on the need for the centrality of prevention really to look at the root causes, to dismantle the structural discrimination that is there. And gender stereotypes were mentioned by many, the unequal power relations in addressing all of this. I also think there was a very strong emphasis, it seems on and recognition of the need to have responses that are holistic, that are multisectoral, that you can't do it by one response alone. And many mentioned your national action plans that are in place. But also I felt encouraged by the mention of the importance of having them fully resourced.

We need to have effective measures, be able to implement them. It's not a matter. Yes, we need the legal frameworks, yes, we need the the policies, but we need to make sure that action can be taken. And is there also many mentions of the role of civil society organizations, women's organizations, women human rights defenders and others, while recognizing that of course it's a state obligation and primary responsibility, but that partnership not to to delegate the role, but to make sure that one works together and the role is recognized and including also the very exposed role we know that women's human rights defenders have today, including the risk of reprisals that has been only increasing as well. And technology.

I'm glad we got the chance to see that last video because many of you mentioned digital technology and AI included. But I think we got some very good examples both of the risks and challenges we are increasingly facing. But also responses But I finally my last point is that I'm very glad representing the High Commissioner for Human Rights also that so many emphasized that the violence against women and girls is indeed a human rights violation, the most pervasive or one of the most pervasive violations of human rights that they are. That of course means that we also need to have a human rights response. So having the national legal and policy frameworks aligned with the international human rights standards are essential and of course tapping into there the expertise that exists, the expertise from cedaw, the expertise from other human rights mechanisms some mentioned, also the Universal Periodic Review and certainly our Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights remains also at your disposal to continue this discussion and also to support that human rights based approach to eradicating violence against women and girls.

Thank you very much.

Thank you Madam esg, for these key takeaways. This brings us to to the end of our program of work for this meeting. I would like to thank all participants for their interesting and important contributions and for the commitments that they have made today. We are grateful for your constructive engagement and we rely on your continued support. Excellencies, Distinguished Participant the Commission will reconvene Tomorrow morning at 10:00am in this conference room to hold an interactive dialogue on the review theme.

Information on the session is available on the Igov portal igov.un.org the meeting is adjourned.