8th plenary meeting - Commission on the Status of Women, Seventieth session (CSW70) - High-level meeting on violence against women and girls

I call to order the eighth meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women and its 70th session.

I invite the Commission to continue its consideration on sub item AI of the agenda item 3 on the priority Team Ensuring and strengthening act access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and addressing structural barriers. To hold the High Level Meeting on Violence Against Women and Girls. Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Dear participants, Romania is honored to chair High Level Meeting on Violence Against Women and girls at CSW 70. We come together not only to review the progress achieved so far, but also to reflect honestly on the challenges that remain and to renew our collective commitment to preventing and and combating violence against women and girls in all its forms. Romania has continued to strengthen its policies in this field, ensuring alignment with the Istanbul Convention and relevant directives.

We are currently implementing two key national the National Strategy for Preventing and Combating Sexual violence, Citizens Synergy 20212030 and the National Strategy on Equal Opportunities between Women and Men and the Prevention of Domestic Violence 2022, 2027. Both are based on a strong victim centered approach and include comprehensive measures for prevention, protection and support. At the same time, Romania has launched a second major legislative reform aimed at consolidating the legal framework in line with international standards, including the United Nations 2030 Agenda and OECD recommendation. This reform introduces significant elements such as the criminalization of femicide, the expansion of the definition of cyber violence to include acts involving artificial intelligence and the recognition of intersectional discrimination. We are also extending protection measures to new areas including forced and early marriages and strengthening safeguards for child witnesses of violence.

Furthermore, we are investing in mandatory training for all professionals working in this field. Field Ensuring a gender sensitive approach in both prevention and intervention. Beyond legislation, Romania actively promotes awareness and prevention through national campaigns. Initiative links to the Unite campaign and the 16 Days of Activism are complemented by national efforts such as the recent campaign Domestic Violence is a Red Card which successfully engaged sports federations, clubs and national athletes in raising awareness and broadening public support during the last five years. The data highlights a continuous increasing trend of the domestic violence victims number.

However, those dates are related to the increasing reporting level based on legislation and integrating intervention improvement, which demonstrates that the policies and involvement of the authorities have generated a sense of security and encouraged victims to seek help. Importantly, the number of social and specialized services for survivors has tripled in the past five years, reaching over 260 services dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence. Regarding the phenomenon of human trafficking, important legislative amendments to the Criminal Code are currently being adopted in order to transpose specific EU directives and national efforts are focused on future directions of action aimed at strengthening the component of specialized support and assistance for victims and ensuring the funding of non governmental organizations in order to provide adequate assistance and protection services. While challenges remain, especially in the area of legislation implementation and multidisciplinary cooperation at the local and interinstitutional level, Romania remains fully committed to translating international commitments into concrete action. We believe that only through sustained efforts, strong partnerships and coordinated policies can we ensure effective prevention, real protection for victims and accountability for perpetrators.

Together we can build a society where women's rights are are not recognized but fully respected and upheld in practice.

I now invite Ms. Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, to make a statement.

Thank you very much. Excellency. Good morning everyone. Excellency. Your Excellency Sylvia Monica Dinka, State Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity of Romania.

Welcome distinguished Excellencies, guests and colleagues. It is an honor to join you this morning at this high level meeting on violence against women and girls. This meeting is a direct result of CSW revitalization. It is a direct result of a recognition to elevate opportunities for exchange on issues that intersect all of our efforts and permeate all of society.

Excellencies from the Sustainable Development Goals and across the Beijing Platform for Action, Ending violence against women and girls is its own imperative and an accelerator for all others. It is also a challenge that evolves ever faster. Conflicts are ever more prevalent, technology ever more utilized to facilitate and amplify forms of violence. Both old and new. Women's organizations on which so much of this agenda depends are seeing their resources decline as prevalence rates go up.

Even the gains of the past turnout to be more fragile and than we had hoped, with measures to address violence against women and girls being actively rolled back. That is why we must ensure that your achievements, innovations and successes serve as an inspiration. Your strengthening of global norms and standards, your whole of government, whole of society, evidence based and long term prevention approaches, your engagement of men and boys, your Guarantee of survivor centered justice and services for survivors and your embrace of strong and autonomous women's rights movements. Excellencies, our successes, your successes are transformative. Through the EU funded ACT Program, UN Women and the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and Girls has supported 757 women's rights organizations around the world.

Through the Spotlight Initiative, UN Women and sister agencies have advanced over 540 legal and policy reforms to strengthen protections for women and girls, reaching some 384 million people. From 2022 to 2024, UN Women invested US$278.2 million across 100 countries. As a result, 2 billion women and girls now live under enhanced policy environments to end violence against them. I thank our Member State partners for their role at the heart of these initiatives. Excellencies, we have shown what works.

Women and girls have lived the difference we have made. But far too many remain unreached. Far too many wait for promises to be kept. We must draw unreservedly on the knowledge, lessons and experiences in our hands. We must finally bring the necessary resources and energies to bear to end violence against women and girls.

And women and girls must finally live lives free of violence in all spaces, public and private, everywhere. I thank you.

I thank the Executive Director of UNU Women. I would now like to welcome our distinguished speakers for the opening dialogue as well as the moderator, Ms. Melissa Fleming, under Secretary General for Global Communications, who will guide through the dialogue. Ms. Fleming, you have the floor.

I thank you so much. CSW Chair, Her Excellency, Ms. Sylvia Monica Adinka and my dear colleague, UN Women Executive Director Dr.

Sin.

Excellencies on the panel, Excellencies in the audience, dear partners, dear women, dear friends and colleagues. I'm honored to join you this morning as the moderator of the first ever high level meeting on Violence against Women and Girls convened by the Bureau of the Commission on the Status of Women. As previous speakers have highlighted, the revitalization of CSW provides a unique opportunity to strengthen its role in advancing the rights and empowerment of all women and girls through such high level meetings as we are convening today and on key cross cutting issues. And I can't imagine a more key cross cutting issue than this one. It is a critical moment.

The UN just marked the 80th anniversary of its birth and it works to advance. It's working now to advance a very ambitious reform agenda and it is an opportunity for Member States and other stakeholders to step up their efforts to implement the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action by looking at what really truly works to end violence against women and girls, but also at the same time, recognizing the challenges and that we must confront, and there are many. This meeting also provides a platform to exchange good practices that we can share and scale up and identify the necessary actions to address and eliminate such violence. I look forward to hearing from the representatives of the first group of five member states about your country's experience, experiences and how you are turning commitments into real, impactful action to end violence against women and girls. I think we're all eager to learn about your efforts in prevention and response and to see how it is really driving meaningful, transformative change in your countries for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

We do have a four minute time limit and I've been told that the microphones will be automatically muted when the allotted time is reached. So I know it's not true. Okay, good. Because we won't mute your microphones if you're on this panel. Right?

Yes, I was going to say I was going to take an executive decision on that, but I'm glad to hear from the Secretary. So those on the panel, don't worry, but we want to hear from as many of you in the following interactions. And so I do ask you, when we come to that point, to limit your time. And I'd now like to turn To His Excellency, Mr. Rob Binders, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Social Fraud and Equal Opportunities in Belgium.

Your Excellency. And I'd like to ask you a question. As Belgium advances its national efforts to prevent and to respond to violence against women and girls, can you outline what key measures and partnerships have proven most effective? You have a national action plan on gender based violence. And if you could give us lessons from that experience to accelerate progress and any insights that you might have on how you develop in the development of your next action plan.

Thank you. Thank you very much. And it's very honor for a small country as Belgium, but with very big ambitions in terms of rights for girls and women to be here on this stage. And I would like to start by actually saying that Belgium is really reaffirming the unwavering commitment to the eradication of gender based violence, which is a serious human rights violation and gender discrimination. For more than two decades, Belgium has pursued and strengthened an integrated and coordinated approach through successive national action plans, firmly grounded in the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and structure around prevention, protection, prosecution and coordinated policies.

And a key element of this approach is a formalized cooperation with civil societies. And we do this through a national civil society platform which provides independent monitoring and brings specialized expertise at every stage of policy making. And in Belgium, we also reinforced a survivor centered and human rights based approach. The needs, safety and rights of victims and all their diversity are placed at the heart of all policies and measures. Concretely, we adopted legislation addressing femicide, providing a broad framework to prevent and combat femicides and gender related killings.

We also strengthened our criminal law through a consent based definition of sexual offences. And we provide multidisciplinary, holistic care for victims of gender based violence. We opened sexual violence care centers and they offer victims immediately free and comprehensive medical, forensic and psychological support, all in one place. And several lessons guide the development of our next national action plan. We are convinced that policies must be sustainably anchored.

This means strong governance structures, but also long term funding for organizations who really can help and support us. We also are convinced that policies must be based on facts. It's not only a discussion on gut feeling, it has to be a discussion on facts and figures. And policies must also tackle the root causes of violence. And we are a strong believer that we need more men in this discussion.

Because if we want to open this discussion to a broader public, men should be on stage as well. So we stand together with civil societies and international partners and by listening to survivors. Belgium remains dedicated to a future where every woman and girl lives without fear. And ladies and gentlemen, let's be honest. The world is facing a global backlash against gender equality.

But this is not new. We had this before. And I always compare women and girls rights as the most beautiful tree in the world. And sometimes there is a storm and the tree will go a little bit more to the other side, but the tree will never break. And that's our job, ladies and gentlemen.

We have to stand together. We have to answer smart. And the backlash we are facing today, we will make sure that the most beautiful tree of the world will stay alive and will be greener and more beautiful than ever. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency, for describing your policies and your laws and also your initiatives. And I saw a lot of nods in the room when you said we need more men to enact these policies. So we thank you for your. For that. And also, what a beautiful analogy.

Women and girls rights as the most beautiful tree in the world that will never break, no matter the backlash. Thank you for that. And now I invite Her Excellency, Ms. Rosangela Lula da Silva, the First lady of Brazil, to take the floor. Your Excellency Brazil has long been recognized for its sustained and pioneering efforts to build a comprehensive policy and normative framework to prevent and address violence against women and girls. And this process began in the 1980s with the first with the creation of the first women's police stations, and it has since been strengthened through a series of national policies and plans addressing violence against women and girls, including the recent National Plan to Address Femicide.

These frameworks have contributed significantly to the conceptual, technical and political development of the structures necessary for implementing this legislation, including the landmark Maria de Penha Law. In this context, could you share how Brazil is using this long standing body of laws and policies to strengthen even further the integrated, multisectoral approaches for preventing femicide and other forms of violence against women and girls?

Paula, killed by her husband in Sorocaba, so Paulo, stabbed to death in front of her children. Chislain, killed by her husband in Montenegro, also stabbed to death. Poliana, killed by her ex boyfriend, also shot in her head after being threatened. Maria do Sukoro, killed by her former partner strangled inside her own home. These are real stories from just Tuesday.

In Brazil in 2025, 1568 women were killed 59.4% by their partners, 21.3% by former partners, 66.3 inside their own homes. Executive Director of UN Women and UN Under Secretary General for Communications Ministers and other authorities. These are frightening and distressing numbers. Femicide is the end. It's the most extreme expression of gender based violence.

But very often, before it gets there, there has already been harassment, threats, control and aggression. Even I, despite being in the position of first lady, have been harassed twice in public by unknown people. The president of Mexico was harassed while greeting the public, surrounded by security guards. None of us is safe anywhere. Most of the time violence happens inside the home, and often there is not only emotional dependence, but especially financial dependence.

For this, Brazil made the political choice to prioritize women in its social programs. In these, women are listed as the primary beneficiaries. In 2003, during President Lula's first mandate, he established a state structure dictated to addressing violence, promoting gender equality and advancing women's economic autonomy. One of its first results was the creation of Dial180, Ligi Sentuytenta, a national reporting hotline, and the Maria da Pena Law, which combats domestic and family violence. Ladies and gentlemen, despite everything that has already been done in terms of legal frameworks to protect women and girls and combat these atrocities, different forms of violence continue to grow at an impressive pace.

Between 2015 and 25, the number of femicides tripled. We reached the shocking mark of four women being killed every every day. For women, every day. The undeniable progress of legislation is out of step with the growth of hate speech and the values that undermine the rights of women and girls. We must advance even further in the strengthening of a legal framework.

Tuesday, the event organized by the presidencies of Brazil and Mexico, an event that aimed to bring femicide to the center of the debate and to discuss ways and experience to combat it. Yesterday, we discussed here at the UN the issue of digital violence against women and girls. We spoke about the urgency of regulating and holding digital platforms accountable, as they have been acting as disseminators of machismo and misogyny, encouraging youth to become aggressors. In this context of growing violence and the promotion of a culture of hatred against women on the Internet. Last month, Brazil, at the initiative of President Lula, launched the Brazil Pact, among the three branches of government, to combat femicide, which coordinates and integrates existing policies to improve them and make them more effective.

Among its priority measures are strengthening special police stations, specialized police stations, and implementing electronic monitoring systems for aggressors whose victims have protective orders. There is also an awareness campaign directed at man, essential because laws and policies alone are not enough to bring about cultural and social transformation. Gender based violence is indeed their problem. Those who are the author, who commit intimidation violations, who injure and kill girls and women. The fight against femicide and gender based violence cannot be the responsibility of the victims.

As we learned from Giselle Pellico, shame must change sides. Next week, Brazil's Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents will come into force, ensuring protection for them, the women and girls, and including the immediate removal of harmful content. We have been working tirelessly to transform this reality with the awareness that we must continue to move forward. I must also note that gender based violence is not the only thing that kills women and girls. Many have their lives cut short by bombings and armed conflicts around the world.

As we have recently seen in Gaza and Iran, women and girls are deliberately turned into targets. I express my sorrow and my indignation, but above all, my solidarity. We want to be free, to remain alive and to achieve gender equality, always with a hope in humanity. Nothing more, nothing less. Thank you very much.

I thank the first lady of Brazil for sharing those shocking stories from just one day. And also the figures that you mentioned, that four women are being killed every day.

It is really shocking, despite all of the policies that you put in place. You said that the policies are out of step because of the rise of hate speech and the digital environment that is turning violence experienced online, including directed at public figures, especially women public figures like you, like the Mexican President, and the measures that you're taking to hold the platforms accountable and all of the other ways that you're working, your government is working to strengthen this, the measures to confront the violence online and offline. Thank you so much for that very powerful speaker. I would like now to turn To Her Excellency, Ms. Kathy Norrie, Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family affairs in the Solomon Islands. Where is she?

I see you there. Okay. Your Excellency, how are the Solomon Islands embedding prevention and response to violence against women and girls within your fully costed national action plans and sector policies? If you can give us some examples of how progress has been made toward gender responsive budgeting and integration into sector budgets. Also, what structural financing gaps remain.

Thank you. Thank you. Madam Moderator Excellencies, distinguished guests, it is indeed an honor to represent my country, Solomon Islands, in this past panel discussions. And for Solomon Islands, there are a few key factors that has enabled us to progress the mainstreaming of addressing violence against women and girls across national action plans and sectoral policies. First, we have developed an overarching gender equality framework that mandates gender mainstreaming across whole of government.

This includes a thematic spirit specific national policy on ending violence against women and girls. This targeted approach has provided an enabling environment for whole of government to carry out their relevant initiatives. Secondly, complementary policies like the recent endorsement of our public service gender equality and social inclusion policy serves to strengthen our work on addressing violence against women. Third, consistent reviews of our national gender equality and ending violence against women and girls policies. These reviews assess the responsiveness of our policies to our national priorities and ensure they are updated and relevant, but most importantly, garner cross sectoral ownership.

Since the adoption of our first gender equality and eliminating violence against women and Girls policies some 26 years ago, both are now in their third iteration. Embedding the address of violence against women and girls in our national development strategy contributed to ensuring this agenda is integral to all national planning processes. Fourth, our experience has shown that strong and functioning institutional arrangements for the implementation, coordination and reporting on ending violence against women and girls are equally important. By establishing frameworks for cooperation cross sectoral between gender based violence service providers has ensured mainstreaming of ending violence against women and girls across sector policies, including budgetary allocations. First, gender based violence administrative data has also played a critical role in informing sectoral policies and protocols Capacities for collection and analysis of this data by key service providers has improved significantly with dedicated support.

Despite significant progress, there is still a mismatch between fiscal policies, budget demand to adequately respond to existing needs. If fiscal policies and public financial management does not recognize the different realities of women and men, we will continue to risk entrenching inequality within our communities. Gender responsive budgeting is a transformative approach and a priority of our government. Its key objective is allocating resources in a manner that addresses gender disparities rather than creating separate budgets specifically for women and ensuring sustainable financing. To form this initiative, we have completed assessing the gender responsiveness of our public financial management against Asian development banks, public expenditure and financial accountability framework.

We are currently developing a four year work plan to pilot this initiative in in five government ministries. Comprehensive research is providing a baseline prevalence rate in 2009 and the cost of violence against women and girls in our country has also been pivotal in providing the justification of the need for gender responsive budgeting. We are currently embarking on the second round of our National Prevalence Rate study which will help direct or redirect us on where our focus should be. Madam Moderator, Excellency, Distinguished guest Tagio Tomas thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. It's great to hear about all of these measures to deploy gender mainstreaming across all of your government and the cross sector ownership and how you're using data to make the case for gender responsive budgeting. Thank you so much. I now give the floor To His Excellency Mr. Nabil Amar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations. Nice to see you.

Your Excellency, if you could tell us how Tunisia is continuing to strengthen its leaders leadership in preventing and addressing technology facilitated violence against women and girls, particularly by updating and adapting your policy frameworks and by improving services for survivors. How has Tunisia been leveraging the use of digital technologies to strengthen the protection and access to justice and also the empowerment of survivors?

Thank you Madam Moderator, Your Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Tunisia remains firmly committed to preventing and addressing all forms of violence against women and girls, including those facilitated through digital technologies, including those innocent victims of planned military operations. Digital spaces expand. New forms of abuse emerge. Our response must evolve accordingly. Tunisia has taken important steps to strengthen its legal and policy framework.

Our Comprehensive Law 58 of 2017 on Eliminating Violence against women criminalizes multiple forms of violence, including psychological harassment and acts committed through digital means. Tunisia continues to strengthen the capacities of specialized police units, judicial actors and service providers to respond effectively to cases involving technology facilitated violence. Access to services for survivors remains a priority. The National 1899 hotline, operated by the Ministry of Family, Women, Children and Seniors, provides immediate support, guidance and referral services. Services efforts are underway to further strengthen these reporting mechanisms and ensure that survivors of online violence can safely seek assistance and protection.

We also place strong emphasis on training and capacity building. Health care professionals, psychologists, social workers and law enforcement personnel are receiving specialized training to better understand and address the specific dynamics of technology facilitated violence. Partnerships with civil society are equally important. Shelters and support centers across the country provide comprehensive assistance to survivors including legal support, psychological counseling and socio economic reintegration services. At the same time, Tunisia is actively leveraging digital technologies to strengthen prevention and response.

In collaboration with international partners, innovative digital solutions are being explored including tools that allow survivors to access information, report incidents and connect with support services more easily. Awareness raising plays a crucial role. Through national campaigns and digital platforms, we work to promote safe online behavior, inform women and girls about their rights and encourage reporting of abuse. We believe that addressing technology facilitated violence requires a comprehensive approach that combines strong legislation, survivor centered services, digital innovation and sustained partnerships with civil society and international organizations. We remain committed to sharing experiences and learning from other partners.

I thank you,

Thank you so much Ambassador Amar for laying out your comprehensive approach to this. This so needed response that's focused on survivors of online digital violence and all the mechanisms that you're introducing so survivors can receive help but also be empowered online. Thank you so much. Finally, I would like to turn to Her Excellency Ms. Ludmila Shme.

Thank you so much Lyudmila, who is the first Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine. Your Excellency, Ukraine has taken in the midst of this war important steps to address conflict related sexual violence, including adopting legislation that provides urgent interim reparations. Also creating a coalition coordinated national framework under the UN Government Government of Ukraine Framework of Cooperation. So it's a UN and Ukraine framework on conflict related sexual violence. Could you share how Ukraine is putting its victim and survivor centered response into practice?

Any insights on the lessons learned so far would be most welcome.

Thank you. Dear colleagues, today I stand before you with a simple but painful truth. For 12 years, Ukrainian women and girls have been facing violence every single day as a result of Russia's aggression. In Russia's war against Ukraine, conflict related sexual violence is being used deliberately as a weapon of war. Behind every statistic we discuss today, there is a woman, a girl, a family whose life will never be the same again.

Some of the survivors are children. Children who should be growing up in safety, not Learning the meaning of war, truth, violence against their own bodies. This discussion is not only about policy. It is about human dignity, justice and responsibility. According to officially documented cases, 391 people have already suffered conflict related sexual violence.

63% are women, 67% are men. Among them are 22 girls and one boy. But we know that these numbers show only part of the reality. Many survivors remain silent because of trauma, fear, stigma or the ongoing occupation of Ukrainian territories. Behind every number is a human life.

A life marked by trauma, fear and the loss of dignity. This reality demands not only sympathy, but justice and concrete action. Ukraine has made the protection its support of survivors a national priority. We are developing a comprehensive system of assistance that includes medical, psychological, legal and social support. Ukraine has also taken important steps to establish a survivor centered system of response.

We adopted legislation that allows urgent interim reparations for survivors even while criminal investigations are ongoing. Together with the United nations, we are implementing a coordinated national framework that brings together government institutions, international partners and civil society organizations to provide comprehensive support to survivors. Women lead civil society organizations and survivor networks play a critical role in this system. They help identify survivors, provide community based assistance and ensure that policies reflect the real needs of those affected by violence. We are strengthening our national legislation and institutional capacity to ensure that survivors receive long term assistance.

The perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable. Conflict related sexual violence must never remain without justice or consequences. International cooperation is essential. We are grateful to our partners who support. Ukraine is building mechanisms of support for survivors and advancing accountability for these crimes.

Survivors are not alone and perpetrators will not escape justice. Ukraine continues to fight not only for its freedom and territorial integrity, but also for the protection of human dignity and human rights. Today we call on the international community to stand united with us to support survivors, strengthen accountability and ensure that conflict related sexual violence is never too late, tolerated and never ignored. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you, Excellency Minister Chemelidec and thank you for describing for us all the horrific sexual violence and trauma that so many victims, men, women and girls have faced in Ukraine and how you're working to release the stigma and also your therapeutic response and the other support that you're providing. I think we will all agree that there is a need for justice for these crimes and we will definitely all agree. And I think this goes for everything that all the panelists said. It's all about the protection of the dignity and human rights of women and girls. Thank you Excellencies for these important insights.

It sets the scene so well for the interventions that are about to follow. And it's my pleasure now to hand the floor back to the chair to conduct the dialogue among ministers. Excellency, over to you.

I would like to thank Ms. Fleming for moderating this important dialogue. My thanks also go to our distinguished speakers.

We will now listen to interventions from the floor. Based on the expressions of interest received, all participants are invited to speak from their seats. In order to maximize the time available to us and allow as many participants as possible to take the floor. I will urge all speakers to kindly observe the time limit of three minutes for interventions. As per the practice, the microphones will be automatically muted when the allotted time has elapsed.

I also would like to remind speakers to kindly deliver statements at a normal speaking speed and to send copy to the statements to estatements to facilitate interpretations and for uploading in the Estate Statements Portal of the Journal of the United Nations. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding, and I apologize in advance to any speakers who may be interrupted. I look forward to hearing from other ministers about your country's experiences and successful strategies to address violence against women and girls, including prevention and response. I encourage Ministers to consider the questions that have been posed and to comment on any points we have heard from the speakers. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Yudit Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister, Head of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Madame La President, Madam Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. In the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the war is not limited to the battlefield. It is also unfolding in the bodies of women, girls and children. For nearly three decades, conflict related sexual violence has been used as a weapon of terror, humiliation and domination. It destroys lives, families and entire communities.

This reality has been largely documented. The report of the United nations published in 2010 by the High Commissioner for Human Rights already revealed the scale of atrocities committed in my country. Even today, the country remains alarming. According to UNICEF, sexual violence against children has tripled since January 2025. This in a context marked by aggression against the DRC.

This aggression is carried out by Rwanda with the FCM 23 this is a human tragedy. And faced with this, the government of my country, under the leadership of the President of the public, has committed to accelerate reforms in order to combat impunity, strengthen transitional justice and ensure reparations are made to victims. The restart of our national reform for the coming period is a major step. It seeks to modernize our legal system, in particular through the digitalization of files, the strengthening of legal institutions and the establishment of credible Mechanisms for reparations. These efforts are supported by several structural initiatives.

Those initiatives include the reform for justice through the un, the implementation of the fonarev, the National Victims Reparations Fund that's been in operation since 2023. And we also have the Council for Transitional justice and Reconciliation supported by local peace communities. What's more, we have a national resolution, national plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325. It's aimed at conflict related sexual violence and better protecting the rights of women, including by the defense and security forces. Fonorev has achieved an important stage.

It's ensured a sustainable policy of reparations grounded in integrated approach aimed at ensuring humanitarian assistance and development. But of course, challenges remain immense. There is ongoing insecurity, difficulty in identifying all the victims, scant financial resources and a dearth of infrastructure. This has all impeded. The microphone has been cut.

I thank the Prime Minister, Head of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Denisa Sakova, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic.

Thank you for the floor, Excellencies, Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues. I am honored to contribute to this high level meeting on behalf of Slovakia. In today's complex geopolitical environment, preventing and responding to violence against women and girls must remain a clear priority. On prevention, Slovakia has focused on on addressing root causes through a combination of legal form, education, institutional change. We have strengthened our criminal legislation to ensure more effective prosecution of various forms of violence.

At the same time, the digital environment has created spaces where violence can be perpetrated with space, speed and anonymity. We are particularly concerned about the rise of new forms of new violence. Online legislation and institutional capacities must keep pace with these developments. We have integrated awareness, rising and equality principles into school curricula with a focus on digital safety. Training programs for police officers, judges, teachers and healthcare professionals aim to ensure gender sensitive approaches across sectors.

We also aim to introduce effective mechanism for the rapid removal of harmful online content on gender responsive budgeting. Slovakia is strengthening its whole of government approach. National strategies are developed in consultation with relevant ministries and civil society partners. At the global level, Slovakia supports efforts to ensure that cyber violence is adequately reflected in relevant international instruments. We also value international cooperation, including within initiatives such as We Protect Global Alliance.

The digital safety of women and girls must be recognized as an integral part of human rights agenda, not merely as a technical issue. Excellencies, dear colleagues, we remain steadfast in our commitment to working in partnership with the international community to ensure that all women and girls can live free from fear, violence and discrimination. Thank you for the floor.

I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Slovak Republic. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Jurate Zaylskiene, Minister of Social Security and Labor of Leadership, Lithuania.

Thank you. Chair Madame Distinguished delegates. Lithuania's message is clear. The human rights of women and girls are priority in our policy. Especially now when progress on gender equality faces growing resistance.

We stand firmly behind the women peace and and security agenda. Especially after Russia's full scale invasion on Ukraine with civil society. We adopted Lithuanian third National Action Plan. It empowers women in defense and security. We are tackling gender based violence and public attitudes are changing for the better.

Since 2019, victim blaming has clearly declined. This shift makes it easier for victims to seek help. Specialized integrated assistance centers operate across the country offering emotional, psychological and legal help. Their funding has reached 3.3 million euros in 2026. Our domestic violence protection order since 2023 improves emergency protection for women.

We are also closing the protection gap for women with disabilities. Working with NGOs, we have introduced disability sensitive stakeholders standards into both prevention and assistance. To confront the systemic invisibility of sexual violence. We established a National Information center of Sexual Violence speak out with €100,000 in annual funding in migrant communities. Mainstream gender based violence prevention through the Socio Cultural Orientation Program Identifying risks early and connecting women to gulf.

Honorable Chair, Ladies and gentlemen. To discuss better solutions matching women rights in nowadays realities while preparing a National Congress of Women's Rights organization which will take place in Lithuania in 2027. When women have rights, everyone moves forward. Let us move forward together. Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Social Security and Labor of Lithuania. And I now give the floor floor to Her Excellency Gloria Reyes, Minister of Women of the Dominican Republic.

Senora President, Madam Chair, Distinguished Ministers, delegates. It's a great honor for us to be participating at this high level meeting on violence against women and girls. This initiative is launched by the Dominican Republic during our negotiations for the revitalization of the CSW 100 years ago, a woman whose bravery transformed the world, Minerva Minaval.

Her fight for liberty reminds us that defending democracy also means defending dignity and life of women. It is no coincidence that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women honors the women like Nicarbol and all women who face violence. However, decades later, the scale of this crisis continues to be alarming. According to UN women, one in three women in the world has suffered physical or sexual violence at least once in her life. And just in 2024, some 50,000 women have been killed by either their family members or their partners.

And for this reason, strengthening the legal frameworks is a crucial challenge in our countries. In the Dominican Republic, this has meant significant reforms. Our constitution gives us an obligation to eradicate violence against women and to protect them. More recently, in 2025, we approved a new criminal code that includes key categorizations of femicide, other forms of violence and broadens sexual violence and sanctions for discrimination. The creation of the Ministry of Justice, the 2023 law that classifies violence against women, has also meant key steps forward in the protection of girls, an absolute banning of child marriage and other reforms relating to to trafficking that broadens protection for victims.

These reforms have been accompanied by an institutional response that is increasingly coordinated. A national strategic plan for a life free of violence, an inter institutional cabinet and a network for care for victims, as well as expansion across the territory and reforms for our judicial system. However, let us also speak frankly about the challenges that we face. In my country, around 68% of women have experienced some form of violence over the course of their lives. This data point reminds us that we must continue to strengthen our institutions and move forward towards a comprehensive law against violence that more effectively coordinates all of the different instruments at the state's disposal.

Ladies and gentlemen, violence against women persists where the protection systems fail. And even though there are laws they do, they're not part of people's individual lives. The speaker's microphone has been cut off. I thank you.

I thank the Minister of Women of Dominican Republic. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Naima Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and the Family of Morocco.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to showcase the experience of my country at this high level meeting. My country has seen gradual progress in countering and combating violence against women. Various legislative and institutional reforms were passed, especially a law to combat violence against women. In parallel, the institutions dealing with offering social services to violence survivors were strengthened, including economic help. A digital platform was launched.

It focuses on survivors, especially to fight stereotyping. We look to promote equality and every year we take part in the UN plan. This year the topic was to align national legislations. The Marrakesh declaration is indeed a pioneer initiative by the civil society ladies and gentlemen, in Morocco and in our efforts we adopt an integrated approach to fight discrimination against women, whether on the level of legislations or because of gaps in laws. We also offer legal services such as free legal assistance and shelters.

Furthermore, we work on awareness raising, targeting various sectors of society so women are aware of their rights. We underscore also the role of private sector, civil society and the media. What's more, resources are mobilized to apply laws and we take into account gender perspective and budgeting. We study the impact of laws on behavior and we count greatly on empowering women for further independence. Especially that economic empowerment is a critical factor in women and in violence against women and girls not being accepted.

We also strengthen the participation of women in decision making because the participation of women would have positive consequences on social policies. And we encourage men to take part in efforts aiming at combating violence against women because it is not possible to reach equality without the full participation of men in fighting discrimination and violence. We'd also like to note that in our efforts, so we're always aligned with international frameworks, especially the SDGS and the Beijing Platform of Action. Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and the Family of Morocco. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Mahinur Odemir Goktash, Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkey.

Dear Chair, Distinguished Ministers. Violence against women is the most severe form and the most devastating outcome of inequality and discrimination against women. Today, one in four women worldwide experiences violence or lives under the threat of violence.

The risk becomes even greater in situation of conflicts and humanitarian crisis. Their participants. Violence can be prevented through strong political will, effective mechanism and determined action. This struggle requires a strong and holistic approach that addresses preventive, protective and impairing dimensions. Together, our comprehensive and multi stakeholder policies are built on this holistic approach.

Zero tolerance against violence is our fundamental principle. Our law number 6284 is one of our strongest legal bases, effectively activating protective and preventive measures in combating violence. Through significant amendments to the Turkish Penal Code, we have strengthened criminal sanctions for acts of violence. We established specialized courts for protection orders, dedicated investigation units and specialized law enforcement units, and expanded judicial support and victim services directorates. We closely monitor all cases of violence and intervene in proceedings all across the country through our lawyers.

Through action plans, we continue to strengthen our legislative and institutional framework. Each day we launch our fifth National Action Plan. For four years, considering future risks as well as digital violence, our technological infrastructure, strengthened through data integration systems, enables faster and more more effective intervention. With the CADES mobile application one women can reach law enforcement with a single touch in emergency. Through our hotlines, we provide free information and guidance.

24, 7 Electronic Brassed System ensures real time follow up in high risk cases. Furthermore, through 669 service units, including violence prevention and monitoring centers, women's shelters and contact points. We have established a strong nationwide support network. We are developing a new model addressing root causes and breaking the cycle of violence. Our survey on violence against women in Turkey has produced comprehensive data.

To date, we have provided training to 6.9 million people to raise awareness on combating violence and issue specialized media guidelines for media professionals, their participants. Empowerment of women in all areas is one of the most effective and decisive factors in preventing violence. Together with economic, social and local support mechanism or protective and preventive steps have expanded women opportunities. Combating violence against women requires strong national ownership and effective international solidarity. Together, as Turkey, we are determined to share our experience and contribute to common solution mechanisms in this field.

Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkey and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Sani Gran La Sonen, Minister of Social Security of Finland. Thank you very much. Honorable Chair Violence against women and girls remains as one of the most persistent human rights violations globally, causing serious physical and psychological harm, destroying dignities and weakening entire communities. Beyond the humans suffering, gender based violence places a heavy financial burden on society and undermines health, economy, gender equality and development at large. Everyone has the right to liberty, integrity and safe at home, in public, online and offline and at work.

Violence against women and girls stems from deep rooted inequalities. Finland is tackling gender based violence with determination both nationally and globally. Internationally, we work closely with our partners, including UN women and other UN bodies to drive effective and lasting change. Nationally, our government has taken concrete steps to prevent gender based violence, including domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual harassment in the workplace and other forms of violence by addressing these in our Gender Equality Action Plan. The Action Plan also contains measures to strengthen services for survivors.

We value the efforts of the civil society and strongly support autonomous feminist movements. For many women and girls, civil society is their first and sometimes the only place to seek justice. This is vital for survivals of sexual and gender based violence, including when their sexual and reproductive rights have been violated. Unfortunately, minority groups are often at greater risk of gender based violence. For example, violence against LGBTIQ persons and against indigenous women and girls, including Sami in Finland must be taken seriously as well as violence taking place on online platforms.

Digital spaces must be safe for women and girls so they can fully take part in society. Finland is committed to end all forms of sexual and gender based violence and stands firmly for the rights of women and girls in all their diversity, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights. No Woman or no girl should ever be forced to continue pregnancy, stay in a violent situation, or live under pressure or control. We call on all of you to join us in this work. Thank you very much.

I thank the Minister of Social Security of Finland and I now give the floor to Her Excellency May Golan, Minister for Social Equality and the Authority of the Advancement of Women of Israel.

I stand here before you today not only as the Minister for Social Equality and the investment of women, but as a woman who grew up in neighborhoods where struggle for personal safety and dignity was daily. Our national resilience is harmed by violence against women and it is not just a social issue, but a danger to our society. It is a disease that nibble at the foundation of every free nation. I am here to state clearly anyone who dares to raise his hand against any woman will raise the same violent hand against all society. And anyone who remains silent in the face of this violence is not any less guilty.

At my ministry we do not settle for action centered only around the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Women we operate with a harsh zero tolerance approach throughout the entire year and in order to achieve that, we have implemented several programs and initiatives. We launched a Gender Based Violence Indicator pilot that centralizes data from government ministers and civil society organizations. It provides a comprehensive annual and multidimensional view of gender based violence. It enables analysis of violence types, identifying high risk groups and harm mapping to design more precise policies. This database significantly advanced our overall understanding of scope, victimization patterns and prevention strategies.

We also operate the Combating Violence against Women program in local authorities that is designed to combat violence, particularly in high risk areas due to emergency situations and wars. During such crisis, the collapse of social structures and support system often leads to an increase in gender based violence and including sexual assault and domestic abuse. Women and girls in conflict zones are especially vulnerable to the displacement and lack of access. Basic needs to basic needs. We expanded this program, originally launched during the COVID 19 pandemic, to address the current ongoing emergency.

Today, 151 local authorities who represent 60% of Israel participate. The goal is to strengthen the personal and community resilience. Recently, we also launched the campaign Be a Friend, Don't Ignore. As we realize that public awareness is growing, there is a gap in reaching men as fundamental partners in prevention. In 2025, we recognized the need for a systematic appeal to men both as a target group for prevention, as agents of change in the community.

The innovation campaign reached approximately 7 million digital exposures. However, one cannot speak here about violence without mentioning what a part of the world has tried to ignore. Israel has experienced firsthand the most brutal gender based violence of modern times. You cannot fight violence against women worldwide while remaining silent regarding crimes against Israeli women and girls. This double standard is unbelievable and hypocrisy must end.

A woman's safety is not a privilege. It is a fundamental condition for life. Together, let us turn words into action and create actual, real security for for every woman in the world.

I thank the Minister for Social Equality and the Authority of the Advancement of Women of Israel. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Margarita Balseiro Lopez, Minister for Culture, Youth and Sport of Portugal.

Excellencies, we all know that violence against women and girls continues to be one of the biggest human rights violations of our time. It undermines trust, weakens social coercion and limits sustainable development for Portugal. Preventing gender based violence is therefore a core responsibility of the state and a rule of government priority.

We are improving legal frameworks, challenging harmful social norms and transforming institutional cultures across sectors, from education to policing, from social protection to digital spaces. Because violence today is not confined to the home or the street, it is increasingly amplified with technology demanding new tools and new responses, as highlighted by the UNITE campaign. New and emerging forms of violence, but particularly those enabled by technology, require stronger international cooperation, shared learning and scalable solutions. At the same time, we have to ensure that every victim and survivor receives protection, dignity and autonomy. We are expanding in Portugal integrated support services.

In Portugal, we are investing in specialized training for frontline professionals. And in Portugal, finally, we are creating the first One Stop shop for victims of sexual and domestic violence. However, governments cannot act alone. Civil society and women's rights organizations are key partners. And of course, commitments must be matched with resources.

That is why Portugal has reinforced its national budget in 2026 with the largest investment to date in prevention and response to domestic and gender based violence, ensuring that our national policies are fully funded and accountable. Today, our responsibility is clear to move from words to action, from commitments to concrete impact in the lives of all women and girls. Thank you.

I thank the Minister for Culture, Youth and Sport of Portugal. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Yvette Alan, Minister for Labor, Gender and Social affairs and of Mozambique.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread human rights violation of our time. It undermines dignity, perpetuates inequality and threatens the foundation of peaceful, inclusive and sustainable societies. Mozambique. For Mozambique, eliminating violence against women and girls is a central pillar of our commitment to human rights, social justice and sustainable development.

Mozambique has made important progress in strengthening its legal and police framework to prevent and respond to gbv. Our Constitution guarantees equality and non discrimination and the Law on Domestic Violence against Women provides legal protection, accountability for perpetrators and support for survivors. At the policy level, the government is implementing the National Plan for the Prevention and Combat of GBV which promotes a multi sectoral response involving the justice, health, education, security and social protection sectors. We are expanding One Stop Centers for survivors where women and girls can access medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance in a single safe space. Yet the reality remains serious.

Recent studies indicate that approximately 35% of women in Mozambique have experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. In 2025 alone, more than 18,000 cases of GBV were recorded with women representing nearly 80% of the victims. Behind these numbers are women and girls whose lives, opportunities and aspirations are profoundly affected. This is why Mozambique is strengthening prevention. We recently launched in PODERA a flagship national program designed to prevent and combat GBV through community mobilization, economic empowerment of women, engagement of men and boys, and improved access to justice and protection services.

Empodera reflects our conviction that ending violence requires transforming social norms, empowering women economically and strengthening institutions simultaneously. Excellencies Ending violence against women and girls is a collective global commitment. Let us move from commitments to concrete action, from policies to protection and from promises to lasting change. Mozambique stands ready to work with all partners so that every woman and every girl can live in safety, dignity and equality. Thank you.

I thank the Minister for Labor, Gender and Social affairs of Mozambique and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Agnes Namomo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana.

Ghana recognizes the elimination of violence against women and girls as national priority, firmly grounded in our constitution and reinforced through our international commitment on gender equality. Chairperson Ghana continues to strengthen institutional frameworks to ensure that survivors of gender based violence receive timely, coordinated and dignified support. The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service has established an ultra modern One Stop center at the police headquarters to provide holistic services to survivors of abuse. The facility includes child friendly districts and circuit courts, shelter services, social welfare officers, legal aid officers, clinical psychologists, soundproof interview rooms, a clinical play room and 24 hour helpline. In addition, the Orange Support center established by the Ministry of Gender provides integrated services to survivors of sexual and gender based violence.

The center operates 24 hour to free number and counseling services and medical support services as well. Government has also operationalized The Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to survivors of sexual and gender based violence. Chairperson Ghana is also prioritizing prevention through education and empowerment, particularly for girls and young women, while engaging men and boys as partners in promoting respectful and nonviolent relationships. In this regard, Ghana has institutionalized an annual men's conference on positive masculinity aimed at challenging harmful social norms and promoting behavioral change to end violence against women and girls. To conclude, Ghana remains committed to strengthening laws, improving enforcement mechanism and addressing emerging forms of violence, including online abuse and technology facilitated exploitation.

I thank you.

I thank the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana and I now give the floor to His Excellency Arsen Toro Sian, Minister of Labor and Social affairs of Armenia.

Thank you, Chair Excellencies, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to address this event as we reaffirm our global commitment to building a world free from violence against women and girls. Violence against women and girls is not only a violation of human rights, it undermines the very foundation for our of our families and societies. To end it, we must do more than pass laws. We must challenge entrenched cultural norms and societal stereotypes that allow abuse to persist.

Armenia is fully committed to this mission. We are strengthening our policies to prevent violence, protect survivors and raise public awareness. A landmark step in our journey has been the recent strengthening of our legislative framework. The amendments introduce survival centered provisions and enhanced guarantees for the most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. Today, survivors in Armenia have expanded access to free medical care and accessible shelters.

Legislation alone is not enough. Survivors need a path forward. The Armenian government provides integrated support services psychological, legal and social to help women rebuild their lives. Crucially, we recognize the link between economic development and vulnerability. By expanding programs for women's economic empowerment and sustainable employment.

We are providing financial autonomy necessary for women to life with dignity and independence. To move from reaction to prevention, Armenia has introduced a centralized case registration system. This unified platform provides the reliable data we need for evidence based policy making and targeted interventions. Furthermore, our National Council on the Prevention of Domestic Violence has grown more inclusive. It now integrates organizations representing children, seniors and persons with disabilities, ensuring our policies are responsive to every segment of society.

For those in immediate danger, our state co finance shelters provide women with up to 12 months of safe housing, food and legal aid. Additionally, state provides lump sum financial assistance to survivors to aid their initial recovery. We also prioritize our youngest citizens through our child and family support Centers. We provide specialized rehabilitative and legal services to children in difficult life situations situations Breaking the cycle of violence before it takes root in the next generation. Armenia remains resolute.

We are building a society where every woman and girl live free from fear. By working together at both the national and international levels, we can ensure that dignity, safety and opportunity are not just ideals, but a guaranteed reality for all. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the Minister of Labor and Social affairs of Armenia and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Dorothy Guazima, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups of United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you Excellence. At the outset, I wish to convey our sincere congratulations to you, Excellence and to the distinguished members of the Bureau and to express our delegation's appreciation for the exemplary manner in which you are steering the work of this Commission. Excellence, the United Republic of Tanzania recognizes that violence against women and girls remains a pervasive and pressing challenge, undermining human rights, equality and sustainable development. We reaffirm our strong commitment to to preventing and eliminating all forms of gender based violence and to promoting the full enjoyment of the rights of women and girls.

Tanzania is guided by the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminations Against Women and the commitments contained in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this regard, the Government of Tanzania continues to implement several initiatives aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of GBV against women and girls in public and private spheres. Key measures include Tanzania is actively combating violence against women and girls through a five years National Plan of Action which aims to reduce violence by 50% by June 2029. Key efforts include expanding Police Agenda and Children Desks, creating One Stop Centers in health care facilities for comprehensive medical and legal support for survivors, enforcing legal frameworks like the Law of the Charity act, and escalating programs and campaigns to combat FGM and child marriage. Second, the enactment of the Legal Aid act, which extends legal aid services to vulnerable population and thirdly, the amendment to the Criminal Procedure act introduced stricter measures by rendering persons accused of violence against women and children ineligible for for bail, while also increasing the penalties that courts may impose for offenses related to such violence.

Fourth, strengthening the utilization of digital technologies for mapping GBV incidents while enhancing the capacity of law enforcement and judicial personnel through targeted training and lastly, undertaking community engagement and behavioral change through Men and boys engagement to change social norms and attitudes that perpetuate inequality through campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism. Your Excellence, I thank the Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups of United Republic of Tanzania and I now give the floor to His Excellency Damir Gutich, Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography of Montenegro.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished representatives of institutions. Violence against women and girls represents one of the most serious and widespread human rights violations on the modern world. It endangers not only individual victims, but also families, communities and society as a whole. Violence against women is not a private matter. It is a public, social and institutional issue that requires a coordinated and systemic response.

Effective action against violence requires clear responsibilities, coordination and accountability of all actors. The police, social welfare centers, prosecution offices, courts, health institutions and educational institutions. Consistent implementations of law, protocols and procedures must be the standard, not the exception. Institutional failures must have visible consequences because only a responsible system can build trust among victims. An important element of the protection system are shelters, SOS hotlines and counseling services.

Today, Montenegro has licensed shelters and a national SOS hotline available 24 hours a day. Although the number of accommodation capacities is in line with the standards of the Istanbul Convention, it is clear the capacity still needs to be further strengthened, particularly in the northern region, as well as that the financing of services must be improved in order to ensure their long term sustainability. A particularly important step forward is the planned establishment of Crisis center for victims of sexual violence based on the One stop Centre principle where victims will be able to receive medical, psychological, legal and social assistance in one place. This approach reduced secondary victimization, accelerates the collection of evidence and decreases the likelihood of prosecuting perpetrators. Violence against women has far reaching consequences, physical, psychological, economic and social.

It affects health, children's education and economic stability of families and the overall development of society. Therefore, investing in prevention and victim protection is an investment in social development and security. Our message must be clear and unequivocal. Violence against women and girls is unacceptable. It is not a private matter.

It will not be tolerated. Institutions must act quickly, efficiently and in a coordinated manner, while society must support victims and condemn violence in all its form. Only through joint action by institutions, civil society, the media and citizen, we can build a place where women and girls are safe, protected.

I thank the Minister of Social Welfare, Family Care and Demography of Montenegro. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Jelena Zarich Kovacevic, Minister for Family Care and Demography of Serbia.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the Republic of Serbia welcomes this opportunity to contribute to a shared, important dialogue. As a country in which women represent more than one third of decision makers, Serbia remains strongly committed to the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Serbia ratified the Lanzarot Convention and the Institution Principle Convention and continues to strengthen an integrated legal and policy framework grounded in prevention, protection and coordinated institutional response.

Preventing violence requires addressing its root causes. Serbia therefore combines legal reforms with awareness, rising education and institutional cooperation aimed at transforming harmful social social norms and strengthening a culture of zero tolerance to violence. Our family law, the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence, together with the general and specialized protocols for the protection of children from abuse and neglect provide a clear framework for coordinated preventive action. At the same time, we increasingly harness the role of technology, particularly through the national platform I protect you, which provides education, information and a safe digital channel for reporting violence, thus empowering children, parents and professionals alike. Equally important is a strong and coordinated response system.

Serbia promotes child sensitive approach through close cooperation between health, justice, judiciary, police and social protection sectors. Civil society and women's rights organizations remain a central potential partners in delivering specialized services and long term support. In addition, Serbia has established the Alimony Fund, ensuring economic support for children and strengthening their financial security and reducing vulnerability following family separation or violence. Recognizing that lasting progress depends on strong governance and sustainable financing, Serbia is initiating a new multisectoral strategy for the prevention and protection of children from violence. These processes are designed to reinforce a whole of government approach, strengthen accountability and support gender responsive and child sensitive budgeting.

In this context, the establishing of a new Council of the Rights of the Child will further enhance policy coordination and oversight. Serbia remains committed to scaling up effective practices, strengthening partnerships and investing in sustainable solutions so that every woman and every child can live safely with dignity and free from violence. Thank you very much.

I thank the Minister for Family Care and Demography of Serbia. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Yerling Zuniga Cespedes, Executive President of the National Institute for Women of Costa Rica.

Gracias, senora. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, Good morning, distinguished delegates, representatives of civil society and defenders of human rights. Yes, indeed. Unfortunately, violence against women and girls continues to be a key obstacle for equality and sustainable development and it reveals structural gaps in our ability to act with due diligence. In Costa Rica, we take the view that prevention requires a cultural transformation and at the same time, concrete changes in institutional responses.

This is why we protect promote national campaigns to root out symbolic violence and also technology facilitated violence, coordinating efforts across institutions and equipping them with the means to expand territorial and intergenerational reach. At the same time, we are strengthening capacities through specialized training including the prevention of femicide, due diligence, timely risk assessments and Other emerging manifestations. We have opened special telephone lines specifically so that we can understand and act against femicide in context of organized crime. We are convening a specialised forum aimed at prevention proposals within our national framework and making adjustments so that we can tackle the issue of women linked to contexts of organized crime who are in temporary shelters for women at high risk of death. We are strengthening immediate protections.

Our shelters protect women at risk of femicide and also their children. We're making progress in an institutional process to ensure continuity and to improve comprehensive care and support. Between 2022 and 2023, 18,221 women who were victims of violence received support when there is a risk of femicide. Measures such as security plans, coordination with institutions to guarantee protection and to ensure that they safely enter shelters according to protocol. We've also strengthened early response systems by integrating specialised care into our 911 emergency system.

And we're also using geolocation emergency tools that we call panic buttons for situations where there is a high risk of death. In the same vein of accessibility, Costa Rica is promoting channels for advice and closer contact with women, including through a mobile app using AI and this provides a 24 hour service and a link to the 911 emergency number. We're also expanding options for low bandwidth communications such as messaging and a national toll free line 1125, so that it is possible to even ask. To ask for help even when speaking, is not possible. In prevention, we're addressing two critical fronts, including the media.

Our work with society and the media to reduce risks associated with copycat phenomena are also being tackled. The speaker's microphone has been turned off.

I thank the Executive President of the National Institute for Women of Costa Rica. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Fatou Quinte, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare of Gambia.

We're going to the next speech. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ana Paula Sacramento Neto, Minister of Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion of Angola. Senora. Madam President. Violence continues to persist in our societies despite being fundamentally at odds with the principles of universality, equality and the inherent dignity of the human person.

Women and girls remain disproportionately affected and are often the primary victims of violence in its many forms, physical, psychological, sexual, intellectual, moral, economic and workplace related. In response to this challenge, Angola has undertaken a series of legislative and institutional reforms aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls, while promoting gender equality. The government remains committed to strengthening cooperation with civil society, which has led to the establishment and implementation of a national protection network for victims of violence. This network provides coordinated multisectoral services in the areas of health, justice policy and social assistance. Furthermore, the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and for Zero Discrimination campaign has served as an important platform for mobilizing communities and raising awareness, particularly in schools, churches, and informal markets.

Angola has also established a platform for intergovernmental dialogue known as Jangu de valores, which brings together traditional authorities, religious leaders, and community representatives. The initiative aims to promote moral, ethical and civic values while addressing and dispelling cultural barriers that hinder the advancement of women and girls, including their access to health care, education, justice, and sexual and reproductive health services. The elimination of discrimination and violence against women and girls remains an ongoing challenge that requires pragmatic, sustained and comprehensive responses. These must include integrated actions focused on prevention, education and accountability to break cycles of abuse and ensure the effective realization of equality for all women and girls. Such efforts must also aim to end impunity, strengthen the rule of law, and promote the equitable and meaningful participation of women and girls in decision making processes across spheres of political, economic and social life, both nationally and internationally.

I thank you.

I thank the Minister of Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion of Angola and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Betty Ongom Amonji, Minister of Gender, labor and Social Development of Uganda. Thank you, Excellency. Excellency Issues of domestic violence in Uganda remains one of the most significant action that requires to be done in Uganda. Statistics indicate that 95% of women reported having experienced physical and sexual violence before and after the age of 15, 56% have ever experienced partial abuse 22% of women who reported sexual violence said it occurred before the age of 15 years. Women with disability disproportionately affected at 64%.

Only a small fraction of cases proceed through court to conviction, indicating gaps in access. Teenage pregnancy rate remains high at 25%. Key barriers include high levels of underreporting, informal resolution processes which often divert cases away from the formal justice system, thus undermining access to justice by survivors. Systemic constraints, including limited capacity in investigation, prosecution, legal expertise ensures that cases do not proceed to court. Government priorities and action remains resolute in issues related to legal where we have laws that has been put in place, including the Domestic Violence act, the Trafficking in Persons act, and areas that involve constitutional amendment and institutional amendment that have put in place a lot of reforms in the judiciary.

Where we have specialized courts, we also have specialized institution within the police to fast track issues of gender violence. Increased predictability in areas of financing is critical in our country and therefore capacity building has been prioritized. Shelter and legal aid has been prioritized and digitalization and witness protection in the judiciary has been prioritized. In conclusion, violence against women and girls is pervasive but preventable. Ensuring justice for survivors strengthens social cohesion, promotes equality and upholds human dignity.

Uganda reaffirms its commitment and calls on all partners to accelerate inclusive access to justice for every woman and girl by ensuring legal reforms.

I thank the Minister of Gender, labor and Social Development of Uganda. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Marte Augustine Kirimat, Minister for a Promotion of Gender and the Protection of Women, Families and Children of Central African Republic. Merci, Madame la President. Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. For the Central African Republic, combating violence against women and girls is part is not just a word.

It's a question of peace, justice and human dignity. In a country that has suffered from several decades of crises, women are among the first victims of violence. But also today, they are among the main people responsible for peace and reconciliation. This is why our government has made the protection of women and girls a central pillar of its public policy. In December 2025, we organized several major structures.

We carried out presidential elections and for the first time in 30 years, we carried out local elections. This is a significant stride forward in order to guarantee the increased representation of women in decision making bodies. In tandem with this, we strengthened our legal and institutional framework. We created in 2015 a specialized structure to address sexual violence against women and girls. We ratified and committed to domesticating the Maputo Protocol.

We've adopted a law against gender based violence as well. We've implemented the National Plan of Action in line with Resolution 1325. We've also operationalized a national observatory for gender parity. However, we need to recognize that there are immense challenges ahead. Gender remains gender based, discrimination is and violence is a reality for women and girls.

There's early childhood, marriage and this undermines the rights, security and opportunities of women. So we have a clear message. There should be no tolerance to violence against women. Our government is resolved to act on several fronts. First, we're strengthening the combat against impunity.

We're investing in the economic empowerment of women because economic dependency is one of the factors that can fuel the cycle of violence. We also need to promote women's leadership and the political participation of women. Because no democracy can be legitimate if half the population is underrepresented in decision making spaces. We need to acknowledge that the fight against violence requires collective mobilization. States, international institutions, civil society, community leaders, but also men and boys need to be fully engaged in this fight.

As the president of the CAR recalled, When women move forward, the entire country makes progress. Let us ensure that the next generation of girls can grow up in a world with dignity. Microphone has been cut off.

I thank the Minister for the Promotion of Gender and the Protection of Women, Families and Children of Central African Republic. And I now give the give the floor to Her Excellency Fane Toffotu Fituafe, Minister for Internal Affairs, Employment, Women Social Protection, Youth and Sports of Tonga.

Madam Chair Excellencies. This week, while my delegation and I have been here at the CSW 70, the legal age for marriage in Tonga was raised from 15 years to 18 years old. Previously, a person aged 15 could legally marry with the consent of their parents.

Tonga confirms that legislative change takes place moves at a pace of trust and reflect the persistence by government and civil society partners to ensure that the issue of early marriage is addressed in the favor of our girls. The recent approval by Cabinet of the National Child Protection Policy brings coordinated collaboration with all sectors, stakeholders and communities on the following policy priority Comprehensive legal and policy framework for child protection. Child protection organizational structures at the national and community levels. Family and communities are empowered to promote the well being of all children and prevent abuse and neglect Continuum of child protection services for all children and their families. Prevention, early intervention and response and a well trained and resourced child protection workforce.

We call on the international community to support us in implementing and achieving the priority areas of our national child protection policy. Undertaking judicial reforms to eliminate gender bias in GBV sentencing and resourcing climate responsive GPV programming Recognizing that disasters heightened violence risk. The Kingdom of Tonga strive for our women and girls for laws that protect them accessible services and a justice system that believes in them. Madam Chair, I thank you.

I thank the Minister for Internal Affairs, Employment, Women Social Protection, Youth and Sports of Tonga. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Abena Ondoa, Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family of Cameroon. Thank you, Madam chair. The Cameroon 2016 penal code abolishes discriminatory adultery between spouses. Rapists are prosecuted even if married to the victim.

Legal assistance is available to for the victims. A specific law to address gender based violence is at an advanced level and will soon reach the parliament for adoption. We are implementing a national strategic plan to combat gender based violence to eliminate female genital mutilation and put an end to child marriage. Mobile clinics and holistic care platforms for survivors are deployed in the 10 regions of the country including crisis zones. There are gender desk and child desk in police stations Gendarmerie to address the cases.

We have toll free numbers at gendarmerie as well to report a human rights violation and we also have another one to report child abuse cases. During the last International Women's Day, that is last week, the first lady of Cameroon strongly condemned the resurgence of femicide and urged all stakeholders to mobilize for an egalitarian society. Finally, last week a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Higher Education and the Minister of Family Empowerment and the Family to address teaching and the prevention of gender based violence as well as to organize psychological support at all levels, including the farthest areas of our nation. Thank you for your kind attention.

Thank you Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family of Cameroon and I give now the floor to Her Excellency Katuna Totladze, Deputy Minister of Foreign affairs of Georgia.

Madam Chair Excellencies Prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls is one of the key priority for Georgia. My country has taken decisive steps to strengthen the protection of women's rights. The National Human Rights Strategy includes a dedicated chapter on gender equality, the elimination of domestic violence and violence against women. Following our accession to the istanbul Convention in 2017, we adopted relevant legislative reforms.

Domestic crimes now carry higher penalties, violations of restraining orders are criminally punishable and gender based murders are aggravating circumstances. Georgian institutions are equipped to respond effectively. The Ministry of Internal affairs modernized risk assessment tools and introduced electronic monitoring systems to protect victims. The Prosecutor's Office has implemented a gender equality strategy and practical guidelines for handling sexual violence, femicide and early marriage cases. Specially trained prosecutors and investigators handle all domestic crime cases.

Support for victims is comprehensive. The state care agency runs shelters and crisis centers offering psychological, legal, medical and social reintegration services. Data driven policymaking and public awareness are central to our approach. A unified interagency system tracks crimes disaggregated by gender, age and region, while large scale awareness campaigns challenge stereotypes. Initiatives such as the Do Not Deprive Childhood campaign addresses early marriage and witnesses and victim coordinators provide continuous support throughout legal proceedings.

While Georgia has made significant progress, grave challenges persist. Georgia, Abkhazia and Valley regions of Georgia remain under illegal occupation by the Russian Federation, where residents, especially women and girls, are denied fundamental rights and freedoms. Ladies and gentlemen, Georgia remains committed to eradicating violence against women and girls. Throughout legal reforms, institutional capacity, victim centered support and social awareness, we strive to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination. I thank you.

Thank you, Deputy Minister of Foreign affairs of Georgia. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Mari Navica, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare of Malawi.

Thank you very much, Distinguished guest. Ladies and gentlemen. Malawi strongly condemns violence against women and girls because it undermines dignity, weakens families and communities and constrains sustainable development. This challenge is compounded by poverty, climate shocks and harmful social norms. The country recognizes that the expansion of digital technologies has brought technologically facilitated violence, including online harassment, cyberbullying and misinformation, especially targeting women in public and leadership spaces.

Chairperson. Despite these challenges, Malawi remains committed to accelerating progress through coordinated and survivor centered approaches. Some key areas of progress include strengthening the implementation and enforcement of key laws, including the Gender Equality act, the Prevention of Domestic Violence act and the Electronic Transaction and Cybersecurity Act. Improved access to justice and essential services by establishing and strengthening 22 one stop centers providing integrated services to to survivors of gender based violence and reinforced 300 community victim support units, thereby bringing services closer to women and girls. Transforming social norms by implementing the National Male engagement strategy of 2023-2030 to promote participation of men and boys in advancing gender equality strengthened the Gender Based Violence Information Management System system to improve data collection, coordination and accountability and scaled up the provision of free legal services to women and children.

Chairperson Malawi is committed to intensify the enforcement of existing laws through continued capacity building of security agencies and judicial officers to promote access to primary justice in the communities. In conclusion, Chairperson, I would like to call upon Member States, development partners and the United nations systems to increase sustainable financing for prevention and response services, strengthen digital safety frameworks, invest in women's rights organizations and enhance accountability in violence against women and girls programs. Access to justice for all women and girls is possible. I thank you, Chairperson.

I thank the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare of Malawi and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Yi Lin, Vice Minister and Deputy Head of the National Working Committee on Children and Women of the State Council of China.

Madam Chair, China diligently strengthens and improves its mechanisms for combating violence, resolutely fighting all forms of violence against women. We have strengthened the legal protection net by enacting the Civil Code and the Anti Domestic Violence Law and revising the Law on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests. Indicators on punishing violence against women and children are now incorporated, included in the national monitoring system and published annually. Regulations explicitly prohibit algorithmic gender discrimination and impose harsh penalties for online violence against women, including AI facilitated rumors, defamation and slander. Safeguarding women's Rights in the Digital Age we have built synergy among agencies for protection by establishing a coordinated mechanism that includes public security, judiciary, civil affairs and women's federations, smoothly connecting prevention, response and assistance in cases of Violence Against Women.

The 12338 hotline offers 24. 7 legal counseling complemented by over 3,000 offline service centers providing mediation, legal aid, psychological support, among other services. A digital anti domestic violence platform has been popularized with features such as alerting the police with one click, collecting evidence online, applying for protection orders, and searching for shelters. Protection orders can now be issued in as short as 20 minutes, down from the statutory 72 hours. We are fostering a culture of equality and inclusivity by integrating China's fundamental national policy of gender equality into the national curriculum.

Legal literacy campaigns for women have been have engaged over 100 million participants both online and offline. Typical cases on protecting the rights of women and children are published annually to deter bad behaviors and raise public awareness. Media are leveraged to promote gender equality, challenge stereotypes, encourage shared family responsibilities, and embed the concept of gender equality in society. Madam Chair, in today's turbulent international landscape, armed conflicts have have plunged over 600 million women and girls in violence, poverty and displacement. During World War II, Japanese militarism forcibly recruited comfort women committing grave crimes against humanity, which is an internationally recognized historical fact.

For a long time, certain forces in Japan have persistently attempted to deny or even distort history. We urge Japan to face squarely the concerns of all, reflect deeply and address candidly and responsibly the historical legacy of forced comfort women. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the Vice Minister and Deputy Head of the National Working Committee on Children and Women of the State Council of China and I now give the floor to to His Excellency Magomed Abdul Kalimov, Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Russian Federation.

Dear Colleagues, Good morning. I want to note that the topic of today's meeting is extremely sensitive and it is pressing for absolutely all countries of the world. Regrettably, despite the efforts undertaken by all relevant partners parties, women and girls continue to encounter violence. The Russian Federation has always advocated against all forms of violence against women and girls. This is shown by our country's ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

We ratified it back in 1980 and we also joined the Optional Protocol to it. Russia's laws protect the the rights and the legal interests of all women, regardless of their age, family status and social status. We have criminal, administrative and civil liability for any acts that are acts of violence in our country. We are spotlighting the prevention of offenses, in particular, especially in the family and household area. A leading role here is given to the federal authorities of the executive branch.

Their activities are socially oriented. One key focus is prevention of domestic crimes and addressing the root causes and the conditions conducive to unlawful acts. One of the most effective actions is developing network of social organizations, specifically crisis centers. Over 220 social organizations provide social services to women and children that are in difficult life situations. This includes situations of violence within them.

Over 160 inpatient facilities have been created. At the same time, Russia has roughly 60 crisis centers. Crisis centers have a broad set of tools in order to resolve family conflicts. For example, women that are experiencing violence, if needed, are given temporary housing, accommodations and food. They are provided with legal, psychological and medical care.

Furthermore, it's important to note that in the Russian Federation, children are under particular protection by the state. Last year, for example, there was the organization and the carrying out of a set of operational investigatives steps. These steps sought to detect and stop activities of those that were circulating pornographic materials involving minors on the Internet. Russia is constantly cooperating with the secretariat with the Secretary General of Interpol in order to detect crimes related to sexual violence against minors. Dear colleagues, I can tell you confidently that Russia will continue to roll out a broad set of steps in order to combat all forms of violence.

The microphone has been cut off.

I thank the Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Russian Federation. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Consol? Uv Mana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion of Rwanda. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Rwanda aligns itself with the global call to end all forms of violence against women and girls. It is time.

Allow me to remind you that in 1994 Rwanda women and girls suffered brutal abuse of sexual violence in the hands of perpetrators of the genocide against the Tutsi. Ever since, Rwanda has said never again. Prevention of and accountability for elimination of sexual violence is engraved in policy, in law, in practice. In Rwanda we have absolutely zero tolerance for such atrocities. Rwanda takes exception guided accusation by the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

While Rwanda condemns in the strongest possible terms the sexual violence perpetrated by over 200 armed groups, the major the majority of them supported by air the SEA government, It is important that we do not use the suffering and pain of victims as sexual and gender of sexual and Gender based violence for political gain. For example, in December 2025, the spokesman of the Armed Force of the LSC, Major General Sylvie Kenge, speaking from prepared notes, said on the national tv, I quote, when you marry a Tutsi woman, you must be careful she could be used by her relatives to destabilize your families and your communities as demographic strategy. This anti Tutsi hate speech by a senior member of the Armed Force of DRC caused an international outcry. Excellencies, it is a shame to dance on the graves of victims of sexual and gender based violence for political and international sympathy. I thank you for your kind attention.

I thank you the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion of Rwanda and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Maimouna Die, Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity of Senegal. Thank you so much, Madame la Presidente, Madam Chair, It's a pleasure for me to be participating in this high level meeting to express the commitment of my country and its firm will to preserve and promote equality between men and women and to protect women against violence and discrimination. Violence against women and girls elevates the level of vulnerability of this proportion of our population. It represents one of the most widespread violations of human rights in our contemporary world.

According to the ESG's report, one in three women is a victim of violence. Unfortunately, the real scale of this situation is masked as a result of a lack of reporting and so underestimated. According to our most recent national survey on violence against women and girls has revealed that many women aged between 15 and 49 years old have seen suffered physical, sexual or psychological violence. In addition, there are harmful practices such as child marriage and FGM that continues to affect a significant proportion of young women, especially in rural areas. Given this situation, the Government of Senegal has affirmed its firm determination to tackle this by strengthening its policy of repressing violence through the law 2020 of May 2020 and 10 January 2020 by criminalizing rape and paedophilium.

We have also in February 2026 launched a process to review the situation for violence against women and girls. We are also developing a program aimed at prevention in order to enhance a culture where perpetrators are called out to put an end to impunity. According to the report, institutional responses have been focused on building a national center for a one stop shop for assistance services in three regions specifically adapted to the needs of women and children. In addition, training of 200 police officers specially trained to deal with women and child victims of violence. We also have a special brigade for gender based violence this is based on a collaborative community approach where together with a gender based violence operating manual aimed at the police and gendarmes, raising awareness about violence together with an integrated system and digitalised follow up.

We also have a national mapping system to set up a referencing and accountability system for perpetrators. The speaker's microphone has been cut off.

I thank the Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity of Senegal and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Fancida Length Savad, Vice President of Lao Women Union of Lao People Democratic Republic. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. LA PDA places strong priority on preventing and addressing violence against women through strengthened legal and policy frameworks. These include the Law on Development and Protection of Women, the Law on Prevention and Combating Violence against Women and Children, the Law on Gender Equality. These efforts are further enforced through National Action Plan on Prevention and Elimination of Violence against Women and Children.

Children, public awareness and social mobilization remain essential. Each DLRPDR actively commemorates the 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence with national messages by the Prime Minister. Campaigns implemented from local to national level to better respond to the needs of survivors of violence against women and girls, LA PDR has adopted the no wrong door approach ensuring coordinated and survivor centered services. Standard operating procedures have been developed across health, justice, police and social sectors supported by strong interagency coordination. Service accessibility has also been expanded through counseling and protection Centre for Women and Children in seven programs, provinces, hospital based one stop crisis centers and decentralized legal aid services at local level.

Recognizing emerging challenges, Lao PDR has also initiated research and policy responses to technology, facilitated gender based violence and joined the ASEAN campaign no means no online too. These efforts will be further reflected in national action plans and upcoming cybercrime legislation. At the same time, we are strengthening evidence based policy making through the development of national administrative data system on gender based violence and preparation for the second national survey on violence against women. Despite our progress, challenges remain in addressing harmful social norms, strengthening frontline responders and securing sustainable national budget allocation. On this note, Lao PDR reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening collaboration with the UN agencies, development partners and all stakeholders to ensure justice, protection and dignity for all women and girls.

I thank you.

I thank the Vice President of Laos Women's Union of Laos, People Democratic Republic and I now give the word to Her Excellency Vindhya Persad, Minister of Human Services and Social Security of the Cooperative of Guyana. Thank you, Chair. Behind the statistics we've heard today lie the silent screams of women and girls. Again we confront a shadow that refuses to recede violence against women and girls even as nationally we create a comprehensive system to address persistent age old abuses. The digital revolution has birthed a new frontier of cruelty.

From AI generated deep fake exploitation to relentless tech facilitated stalking. Digital violence follows survivors across every border and into every screen. Guyana has developed an integrated, coordinated and accessible ecosystem of support for survivors and continues to work to dismantle structural barriers through a comprehensive roadmap to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls. We provide reporting and safe support channels including a 24 hour toll free hotline and a free imatter app with live chat interface geared to provide rapid response by the police and integrated support services. Service our survivors advocates assist survivors from reporting to building and rebuilding their lives.

Guyana's integrated system of support includes our One Stop Hope Injustice Centers where survivors can make police reports, access medical care, psychosocial support, free legal assistance and safe shelter. We have enacted progressive legislation and policies to address violence and against women and girls. The 2024 Family Violence act carries expanded definitions of violence and protection of survivors. Our legal architecture improves access through specialized courts. Chair the engagement of men is critical.

Guyana has established special spaces for men through our Bridging the Gap policy which challenges harmful beliefs that normalize violence and promotes the participation of men in the prevention of violence, accountability, healing and mentorship to develop positive behaviors. We have developed a community advocate network to promote community reporting, support and enhance data collection and continue to do widespread public awareness. Even as we do all of this, women and girls continue to be killed. Our collective response requires unified AI governance and the unwavering enforcement of laws that treat the safety in women and girls as non negotiable. We must therefore not tire in our efforts that will lead us closer to a safer world for our women and girls.

No more female lights must be extinguished as our world becomes darker each time. I thank you.

I thank the Minister of Human Services and Social Security of the Cooperative of Guyana. And I now give the floor to His Excellency Tilafono David Joseph Hunter, Associate Minister for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development of Samoa. Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Preventing violence against women and girls requires more than legislation. It requires coordinated systems, strong community leadership and sustained investment across sectors in Samoa.

Our response is grounded in the wh Samoa our cultural values of respect, service and collective responsibility. Where families, communities and traditional leaders play a central role in safeguarding women and children, the Pacific has something unique governance that begins in families and villages. The key strategy is Ausamo Aenga Manuiya Nuu Manuiya framework where village women and men representatives work endlessly because it is everyone's responsibility to end violence. Samoa is a small island nation with 76% of our population living in rural villages. This reality means that community prevention and local leadership are critical to addressing violence.

Gender based violence remains a serious concern. Studies indicate that around 60% of women in Samoa experience some form of violence in their lifetime. This underscores the importance of strengthening prevention, protection and coordinated responses through the Pola Puipui National Prevention Framework, Samoa has established a coordinated national strategy that brings together government, civil society, faith leaders and communities to prevent violence and support survivors at the community level. Our Village Representatives program places trained representatives across villages who serve as frontline responders, identifying risks early and linking survivors to support services. At the national level, SAMO continues to strengthen multi sectoral coordination across justice, health, social services and community governance.

Importantly, SAMO is also advancing gender responsive governance and budgeting through the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion or JHADC framework implemented across government through the Public Service Commission. Ministries are strengthening gender analysis, inclusive policy development and gender responsive budgeting to ensure national programs address the needs of women, men and vulnerable groups. Madam Chair, Ending violence against women and girls requires whole of government and whole of society action. It requires prevention through education and awareness, effective frontline response systems, coordinated social services and strong national accountability mechanisms. When communities, institutions and leaders work together, prevention becomes possible.

Thank you for your attention.

I thank the Associate Minister for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development of Samoa and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Charity America Francisca, Minister of Social Development, labor and Welfare of Curacao of Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, on behalf of the Government of Curacao, I have the honor of addressing the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, CSW 70. For Curacao, putting an end to violence and against women and girls is not just a national priority, it is a fundamental obligation with regards to human rights. It is also essential for sustainable development, for social cohesion and for gender equality. Violence against women and girls is a violation of dignity. It is a threat to security and it limits their opportunities as well.

Its consequences are profound and lasting. It affects not only survivors but also their families and future generations. Given this reality, Curacao is implementing a whole of government approach through our National Plan of Action for Preventing and Combating Child Abuse and Domestic and relational Violence that is led by my Ministry in collaboration with other ministries and together with civil society. Society prevention and early action are strengthened through Our protection code. This allows professionals in the areas of education, health care and social services to identify signs of abuse and so to take action swiftly when cases arise.

The specialized Protect Me unit works together with the police officers that have been specially trained and a specialized magistrate or prosecutor to guarantee that survivors receive protection and are treated with dignity and respect. We also have an initiative no More, which is a regional initiative to strengthen cooperation and the exchange of good practices. In addition, the ratification of the Istanbul Convention is entering its final phase. Excellency's violence against women and girls has no place in our societies. Protecting their rights is a responsibility that we all share.

Our goal is clear. We want a future where every woman and every girl in Curacao can live a life free of violence. They should have a future with security, dignity and equality of opportunity for all. I thank you. Thank you.

I thank the Minister of Social Development, labor and Welfare of Curacao of Kingdom of the Netherlands. And now I give the floor to Ms. Hermelita Valdeavilia, Chairperson of the Philippines Commission on Women of Philippines.

Excellencies. Good afternoon. The Philippines has learned that legal reform alone is not enough. Laws are essential, but without institutions that work together, justice remains out of reach for many women and girls. That is why we have moved beyond reforming statutes toward transforming systems.

We are strengthening coordination across justice agencies to ensure that responses to violence against women and girls are efficient, survivor centered and accountable. Through the Justice Sector Coordinating Council, the Philippines has established justice zones. These zones recognize that while institutions have independent mandates, justice itself is shared work. Courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, jails and public defenders collaborate to reduce case backlogs, expedite proceedings and minimize retraumatization caused by prolonged litigation. Within the Department of Justice, we have strengthened our Task Force on Women and Children and enhanced referral pathways and partnerships to provide legal protection and psychosocial and economic support.

Halfway houses and gender sensitive handling procedures ensure that victims are treated with dignity and care throughout investigations. Through interagency coordination, we have adopted case management protocols, strengthen victim identification systems and institutionalize local anti violence committees. We also recognize the structural barriers survivors face to address these, we provide shelter, transportation and security assistance to victim survivors participating in judicial proceedings. We bring legal services directly to communities. Through Justice Caravan, we have expanded and streamlined victim compensation mechanisms to ensure broader access to redress.

But response alone is not enough. If we are serious about ending violence, we must also prevent it. By combining strong justice systems with transformative prevention strategies, we build communities where women and girls are not merely protected after harm occurs, but empowered to live free from violence altogether. Therefore, we must strengthen the prevention to response continuum, identify high risk situations early and build the capacity of duty bearers so that referral systems function seamlessly. Every institution must understand its role in protecting rights and restoring dignity.

The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to a gender responsive action administration of justice. We will continue to innovate, coordinate and reform until our justice system is truly inclusive and equitable. A system where women and girls do not struggle to find their voice, a system where they are heard and a system where violence has.

I thank the Chairperson of the Philippines Commission on Women of Philippines and I now give the floor to Ms. Ana Prudencia Lopez Sales, Presidential Secretary for Women of Guatemala.

Senora President, Madam Chair Excellencies Guatemala is grateful for this opportunity to participate at this 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women CSW 70 that is dedicated to strengthening access to justice for all women and girls. Thirty years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, access to justice continues to be a central part of guaranteeing substantive equality between men and women. A number of different actions have been undertaken to strengthen the institutional response to violence against women and to improve their access to justice. We have strengthened specialized justice as well as coverage across the country, and we now have an institutional presence through specialized agencies specialized in crime of femicide in the 340 municipalities of the country. We are thus bringing justice services closer to our citizens.

We also have specialized tribunals that are specialized in violence against women and femicide across all departments in the country. This means that there is a more specialized judicial response to these issues. We have also strengthened our network of offices for care and support and advice for victims. There are now 120 across the country to improve institutional coordination and support for women who are facing situations of violence. There has been progress also in the adoption of protocols with a gender and intercultural approach, including cultural and linguistically sensitive plans, especially for indigenous women.

There have been more than 5,000 sentences for crimes of violence against women, but a number of women still have not had this right guaranteed in Guatemala. There must be an impartial investigation so that sentences can be handed down and we're also strengthening institutional capacity to prevent and punish these crimes. Specialized justice with a cultural approach for indigenous women and girls continues to be a challenge, but we are also training bilingual judges.

Even with translators, it is sometimes difficult for the judges and magistrates to receive accurate information. The speaker's microphone has been cut off.

I thank the Presidential Secretary for Women of Guatemala. And now I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Germany

Honorable to Chair Distinguished Colleagues Gender equality and women's rights are a priority for the German government. True equality, however, cannot exist without freedom from gender based violence. Women and girls, in all their diversity, have the right to live free from violence. To fulfill our international obligations and in particular SDG 5, we need comprehensive prevention measures as well as protections and support from for victims.

Effective policy begins with reliable data. Only by understanding the full scale of the problem can we act decisively. In Germany, the survey Lesubia was now able to get representative data on the dark field of violent incidents. The data reveals what has long been hidden. The number of unreported cases of domestic and sexual violence is not big.

It's enormous. 18% of women have experienced physical violence in relationships within their lifetime. 17.8% have experienced sexual violence inside and outside of relationships and 26.7% stalking. And most cases remain unreported. This is exactly why Germany adopted the Violence Support Services Act.

To ensure that all women have access to protection and counseling. It establishes a nationwide, accessible and free support system available to all women, regardless of income, residence or physical condition. This act marks a historic milestone in combating gender based and domestic violence. I am convinced it will save lives. At the same time, digital violence is increasing rapidly.

It's about time that the access to justice against digital violence. This act will help to identify perpetrators, allow us to block accounts in particular serious cases and close gaps in criminal liability. For example, in the case of image based sexual violence, women's rights are human rights. All forms of gender based violence online as well as offline, represent an ongoing violation of human rights. We have the responsibility and power to end it.

Let us act with determination, solidarity and urgency. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. And I now give the floor to Her Excellency Lysego Tombo, Minister for Youth and Gender affairs of Botswana. Thank you very much, Chair. As I sit here today, I'm actively opposed to speaking in comfortable generalities, as is often the norm at platforms such as these. A norm that must change.

This moment, with leaders gathered from across the globe, demands honesty and proactive accountability. Too often we come to these forums and say the same things that we said the year before. Repeating historic achievements while avoiding a true accounting of what has genuinely changed. I sat in this very building last year addressing this topic. It is therefore my responsibility to speak on what has improved since then.

Not to recycle narratives that create the comfort of progress without the evidence of it. Our people, Chair, deserve candor. They deserve transparency and they deserve to know that these platforms are spaces of genuine accountability and not carefully curated versions of reality. I will therefore restrict my statement to the work that Botswana has done to prevent and curb gender based violence in the past year. Since our last account we have adopted the National Development Plan 12 which provides for gender mainstreaming initiatives including conducting Botswana's second National Relationship Study, the expansion of Safe Havens, the establishment of GBV One Stop Centers, the development of a GBV information management system and a national study on youth mental health and well being.

While adopted in 2025, these initiatives will roll out over a period of five years. In the past year, Botswana has begun piloting a GBV One Stop center designed to provide integrated medical, psychosocial, legal and economic services to survivors. While the pilot is in the capital city, we intend to have these centers across the country and as led by the Ministry of Youth and Gender affairs, our government has initiated the review of the National Policy Policy on Gender and Development as well as the review of the National Strategy on gbv. We have passed the Employment and Labor Relations Bill which prohibits discrimination and gender based violence at the workplace, and we're currently drafting our first anti GBV legislation which places a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention and protection of victims. At the center of this legislation's framework is the legal establishment of the Inter Ministerial Committee on Gender Based Violence which comprises of key ministries a structure that recognizes that GBV prevention and response requires a coordinated action across the entire government system mandated by law.

Botswana has for the first time reserved and allocated a budget to systemically fund and support civil society organizations and allow me to take this moment to commend and applaud our civil society's great work over the past years. Even in the face of limited financial support and as a government we pledge to continue paving way for a healthy partnership with them. As I conclude, I affirm as a young woman, a 27 year old young woman charged with the responsibility of leading this mandate, that I'll champion it with meaning to ensure that our women and girls and children not only live free from violence.

I thank the Minister for Youth and Gender affairs of Botswana and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.

Dear Chair, distinguished delegates, as long as women continue to face violence, true empowerment will remain out of reach. Violence against women and girls is not only a serious human right to tribulation, but also one of the main obstacles to equality. Ending all forms of violence against women and girls is therefore both a moral imperative and a precondition for lasting social progress. Italy is not immune to this scourge, but we have acted decisively.

Our legislation, strengthened through the ratification of the Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe, is strong and comprehensive. Our anti violence networks are to forced, fully operational and supported and the 1522 helpline offers immediate assistance to victims. In recent years, the Italian government has also reinforced its comprehensive strategy to combat all forms of violence against women. A national action plan has recently been adopted, victim support services have been strengthened, reporting mechanisms have been simplified, penalties have been increased, specialized compulsory training for health and personal personnel and judiciary has been expanded guided by the White Paper on training and every year schools across the country host awareness raising initiatives shaping a culture of prevention and mutual respect from the young age. Italy has also introduced in 2025 a specific offense of femicide into its criminal code, establishing life imprisonment for anyone who kills a woman out of hatred, discrimination, conflict, control, domination or in response to her refusal of a relationship or her assertion of freedom.

By naming this crime explicitly, we send a clear femicide is not only an isolated tragedy, it is the most extreme expression of violence against women. The same law has also increased penalties for related offences, namely domestic abuse, serious injury, genital mutilation, forced pregnancy, termination, sexual violence, stalking and the non consensual sharing of intimate images, while ensuring that victims are informed, heard and treated with dignity, thus preventing secondary victimization. The Italian government also places particular importance on economic balance against women, a form of abuse that is often under recognized. To support victims empowerment and independence, Italy promotes initiatives such as the Freedom Income and the Freedom Microcredit, a financial tool designated to assist victims supported by anti violence centers in developing businesses paths and achieving economic autonomy. Dear colleagues, violence against women is not inevitable.

It is preventable and demands our collective responsibility and action. Only through unwavering commitment, cooperation and courage can we build a society where every woman leads free, freeing from fear, dignity, safety and equal opportunity. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya. Thank you, Madam Chairperson, Excellencies and distinguished delegates. Kenya aligns itself with a global commitment to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls and recognizes that access to justice is the cornerstone in this effort. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most persistent barriers to gender equality, human dignity and inclusive development.

Many women and girls continue to experience physical, sexual and emotional violence, while harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage continue to threaten their safety and participation in the society. In response, Kenya has undertaken legal and institutional reforms to strengthen protection and accountability. Central to these efforts is the recognition that ending gender based violence requires both effective justice systems and sustained social transformation. First, Kenya is strengthening access to gender responsive justice through the establishment of specialized gender justice courts dedicated to handling sexual and gender based violence cases. These courts, Madam Chairperson, provide trauma informed survivor centered justice, ensuring faster case resolution, protection of survivors dignity and coordinated support services including medical, social, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

However, effective access to justice requires sustained public financing for national mechanisms that support survivor centered responses. Kenya therefore calls for increased budgetary allocations for gender based violence prevention and response including survivor support services, legal aid, safe shelters and referral pathways across the justice, health and social protection systems. Second, Kenya recognizes that prevention must begin early. Education plays a critical role in shaping attitudes, strengthening respect for human rights and black breaking cycles of violence. Kenya has therefore integrated gender equality and gender based violence awareness into school curricula, equipping young people with knowledge.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya and now I give the floor to Ms. Josefina Cristodo Lu, Commissioner for Gender Equality of Cyprus.

Excellencies. It is an honor to address this high level meeting at a pivotal moment for women's human rights. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most persuasive human rights violations. As we know, one in three women worldwide faces physical or sexual violence once in their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for stronger coordinated action.

And today's discussion is crucial. The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU has set the prevention and combating of cyber violence against girls as a core priority. Cyber violence is among the fastest growing forms of abuse spreading through social media, digital platforms and the misuse of of artificial intelligence. The digital age must be a space of empowerment, not danger for women and girls. To this end, we're driving coordinating European action through the new Council.

Conclusions an EU study on cyber violence policy Dialogue and a conference on online abuse and AI risks Cyprus supports EU and multilateral efforts to combat violence against women at a national level. Cyprus continues to strengthen its framework. Our legal framework criminalizes femicide as a distinct criminal offense, recognize it as the most extreme manifestation of violence against women. Naming the crime is not symbolic, it strengthens prevention, accountability and justice. Our legislation is in full alignment with the Istanbul Convention.

We have established a national coordinating body to drive policy and cross sectoral cooperation. We are implementing a national strategy on preventing and combating violence against women and introduce technological tools enabling women at risk to discreetly seek immediate assistance. We are also finalizing a unified national database to enhance reliable data, improve coordination and strengthen evidence based policymaking. These steps show that violence is preventable when political will laws, resources and social change align. Yet persistent gender norms, unaccountable digital spaces and under investment in prevention continue to hinder process with under 4 years to 2030 accept acceleration is imperative.

Excellencies. Ending violence against women and girls is a global responsibility. We must renew our commitment to acceleration, action, accountability and justice. Cyprus is fully committed to ensuring every woman and girl can live free from violence both online and offline. Thank you.

I thank the Commissioner for Gender Equality of Cyprus. And now I give the floor to His Excellency Miles La Roda, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting of Bahamas.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates in the Bahamas. The elimination of violence against women and girls is a national priority at its core in protecting human dignity and is built upon three mutually reinforcing pillars strong legislation, responsive institution and comprehensive survivor support systems. Our national mechanisms between policy and material actions are cross sectoral.

We engage the local space looking at the mental and practical needs of the vulnerable person. We have a sexual offenders register and alert system. We actively address cyber exploitation. There is a mandatory reporting commitment on key professionals and community stakeholders who are the architects in the lives of girls and children generally. And we have created a legal framework that integrates judicial, victim and community services, including a national free legal aid program into protection of women and girls.

In 2025, the country saw a 29% decrease in recorded domestic related offenses from the previous year. Together with these social and institutional successes at home, we engage this agenda here, recognizing violence against women and girls as one of the most pervasive violations of human rights and our commitment to many child and woman protection conventions and goals 5 and 16 all because of our larger commitment against forces in the world that undermine stability and progress of societies. Madam President, in closing, be assured that that member states and institutions have our continued commitment, partnership and the support of our ambitions on this essential agenda. I thank you.

I thank the Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting of Bahamas. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. Dear Gentlemen, Chairwoman, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, in the year of the 80th anniversary of the United nations and shortly after the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Kyrgyz Republic reaffirms its commitment to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing agenda and contribute to Pact for the Future. The annual 60 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign in 2025 focused on one of the fastest growing forms of violence against women and girls penetrator or inflighted through the use of technology. This highlights the need to scalable practices and addressing gaps in policies and services that allow violence to persist.

Addressing the root causes offline and online Law and Politics the Kyrgyz Republic has consistently brought national legislation in line with international standards, eliminating discriminatory norms and enshrining the principles of zero tolerance for violence, including in the digital environment. In 2024, ILO convention number 190 of violence on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work was ratified. In 2025, the new Labor Code came into force which abolished long term restrictions on more than 400 professions for women, retaining only special guarantees for pregnant and lactating woman in hazardous production. This is an important step in eliminating structural discrimination and empowering women economically. In 2024, the National Council of Family, Gender Development, Social Protection and Children's Rights was established under the chairmanship of Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.

51 gender focal points have been appointed in state and local self government bodies to integrate gender standards into daily management practices. We are also promoting codes of conducting mandatory training in the education transport sectors including digital literacy and cyber violence recognition skills and strengthening campaigns to change social norms, engaging men and boys as allies of positive changes. The Kyrgyzstein public acknowledged the scale of the problem. A regional survey found that 42% of respondents in the country have experienced technology enabled violence including cyber talking, online harassment and authorized sharing of images. In response, we are developing digital literacy, updating legal regulations, introducing protocols for recognition, recording digital evidence and strengthening the training of law enforcement and judicial officials.

Online channels for reporting violence, including anonymous reports and expanding electronic justice services for remote areas are being introduced as well as digital tools to help victims response. A Victim and Survivor Center Approach the Kyrgyz Republic is developing an inter agency response system and integrates health, law enforcement, justice and social services, victim assistance routes, crisis centers and access to free legal aid.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Senora Madam Chair in Cuba there is no impunity for gender based violence, nor will there ever be. We have robust legislation to address this phenomenon to support direct and indirect victims and to facilitate their rehabilitation effective reintegration into society. The Constitution enshrines the right to live a life free of violence. It ratifies the importance of prevention and strengthens the state's responsibility to implement legal norms, public policies and mechanisms for the protection of victims.

High level regulations such as the National Program for the Advancement of Women and the Comprehensive Strategy for the Prevention and Treatment of Gender Based Violence and Violence in the family are coordinated with other legislation such as the Family Code, the Penal Code and the Code on Children, Adolescents and Youth. One of the areas of the national program is to improve substantive and procedural policies and legislation in family, labor, administrative and criminal criminal matters to ensure effective treatment of violence. Institutional action protocols have also been updated with a systemic, multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach. The comprehensive strategy is based on cooperation between the organs and agencies of the central state social agents and local governments which allows for coordinated identification, prevention, care, support and redress for victims. The Families Code recognizes discrimination and violence within couples and families.

Every act of violence or violent act has legal consequences for the perpetrator. The Criminal Code defines the killing of a woman for gender related reasons as a crime and includes 36 references to gender based violence cutting across all criminal offences. All forms of violence are defined as offences domestic psychological in any sphere of society or the family. The protection of women's labor rights has been strengthened with the approval of the Protocol for Action Situations of Discrimination, Violence and Harassment in the Workplace. Services for women victims are ensured by Council services and work is underway to create comprehensive integrated services.

Chair Cuba has ratified its commitment to gender equality, the empowerment of women and the eradication of all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls in society. We are undertaking enormous efforts to overcome the damage caused by the US blockade, which is the worst form of violence perpetrated against Cuban women and girls. We will continue to work tirelessly to achieve a country free decree of violence for all women and girls. You can count on that. I thank you.

Thank the distinguished representative of Cuba and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tuvalu

Chair Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most serious human rights challenges globally for Tuvalu. It is a reality that affects families, communities and the social fabric of our nation. Recent national data show that approximately 44% of women in Tuvalu have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, yet only about one third of survivors seek help. This gap reflects persistent stigma, social pressures and barriers that discourage survivors from reporting violence or seeking assistance.

As a small island developing state composed of nine tiny islands dispersed over 1.2 million square kilometers of oceans, Tuvalu also faces structural constraints in delivering justice and protection services. Access to police, courts, legal assistance and specialized services can be difficult for women living in outer islands where distance and transportation costs create additional obstacles. Our Beijing 30 National Review confirms that intimate partner violence remains the most prevalent form of violence against women in the country. Making it a central priority for national action. Recognizing these challenges, TUVAL has strengthened coordination among institutions responsible for responding to gender based violence.

In 2023, the government established a National Gender Based Violence Task Force bringing together the Judicial Office, police service, health services, legal assistance providers, civil society organizations and the Gender Affairs Department. Building on this collaboration, Tuvalu recently launched the We CARE Guidelines as an official government framework to strengthen the response to survivors. These guidelines clarify the roles and responsibilities of first responders, strengthen referral pathways and promote a coordinated survivor centered approach across institutions. Our Prime Minister emphasized during the launch of these guidelines the access to justice does not begin in the courtroom. It begins at the first point of contact when a woman speaks to a police officer, a nurse, a counselor or legal advisor and my IAT families and friends.

Tuvalu's progress in strengthening its response has also benefited from regional cooperation and South South Learning exchanges with Pacific partners and regional coordination platforms have provided practical knowledge that helped inform the development of the We CARE Guidelines. Translating regional experience into a framework adapted to Tuvalu's national context, Tuvalu remains committed to strengthening prevention, improving survivor centered services and working with communities and partners to transform the norms that allow violence to persist. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tuvalu and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates Nepal is fully committed to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Nepal has established a strong constitutional, legal and institutional framework to ensure gender equality and empowerment of all girls and women and ending all forms of violence against women and girls. A multifaceted approach has been incorporated to combat gender based violence, ensuring that justice is accessible and survivors are supported throughout the recovery. The these initiatives includes Gender responsive budgeting System More than 42% of total budget is allocated at Gender responsive Budgeting at national and sub national level Gender responsive Access to justice along with trainings for judges, police and legal practitioners one Stop Crisis Management Centers allowing survivors to receive all necessary services under one roof Establishment of long term rehabilitation centers and safe houses which serve as a transit home for GBV survivors and victims Operation of free help line 1145 for reporting violence against women and girls Gender Based Violence Elimination Fund which provide immediate assistance, medical treatment, legal aid, compensation, rehabilitation and integration to the GBB victims and survivors Man Engagement strategy that emphasizes the role of man in addressing and preventing gender based violence. Recognizing that true social change requires the involvement of all community members, women, children and senior citizen Service center at All 77 District Police Office that ensure investigation and swift police service to needy women and children avoiding re victimization and assurance of confidentiality.

In addition to legal and policy frameworks, empowering local leaders, especially women, is essential to combating gbb. Government has supported the leadership of female Deputy Mayors and chairpersons in all 753 local level who drive initiatives to to identify and address the root causes of GBV within their communities. Additionally, the country has been formulating the comprehensive legislation on gender based violence which will be criminalizing all form of violences including online violences, cyber bullying, online harassment, cyber stalking, impersonation, hate speech, trolling and fake videos. As we continue to work toward advancing justice for all women and girls, we have experienced gender based violence. We must recognize that these issues require both local solutions and global solidarity.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal and we have just heard the last speaker from for this morning's meeting. We have thus concluded our program of work for this meeting. I would like to thank all participants for their interesting and important contributions and commitments that they have made today. Excellencies, distinguished participants, the Commission will reconvene this afternoon at 3pm in this conference room to continue the high level meeting on violence against women, women and girls. Information on the session is accessible on the IGOV portal.

The meeting is adjourned.