New York, SANA, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for the continuation of exerting efforts for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
UN marks the International Day to End Violence against Women on Nov. 25th.
Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA said in a statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women “As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us mobilize for the 16 days of activism from now until Human Rights Day on 10 December. Join the global effort as part of the United Nations Secretary-
General’s Campaign to End Violence against Women.
“Together, we must continue to make our voices heard. No matter who you are or where you are, it is time to speak out, to break the silence and to take a stand. We can no longer allow one in three women to be subjected to physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. It is time to end the gender inequality and the impunity that allow this violence and human suffering to continue on such a
widespread scale. Governments have a responsibility to uphold human rights for all, to ensure safety and justice,” Osotimehin added.
Osotimehin pointed out that UNFPA will continue “to stand strong for the right of every woman and girl to live free of violence, coercion and discrimination,” stressing that “We will stand strong for sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender equality.”
“We are working with UN Women and other partners to develop global standards for essential services for survivors of gender-based violence. These services address psychosocial, legal and housing needs and the devastating health consequences many survivors face, which range from forced and unwanted pregnancies to unsafe and forced abortions to life-long physical injuries and mental trauma” the statement said.
“Violence against women and girls is a global pandemic that destroys lives, fractures communities and holds back development,” United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said as the world body marked this occasion.
Haifa Said