UAE condemns violence against women and girls

The UAE’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Mohamed Abushahab, has condemned all forms of violence against women and girls during the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

He said the most effective ways to safeguard women and girls is to encourage financial independence, combat threats in the digital space, and develop strong gender-responsive institutions.

The representative's recommendations were made at the start of the 16 days of Activism Campaign, which is a call to revitalise commitments and accountability, and action from decision-makers. 

"In the UAE, we have strengthened our anti-human trafficking law, to address a crime that primarily affects women and girls, in a survivor-centred manner," Abushahab said. 

"Perpetrators of violence against women and girls must be held accountable so that we can end impunity," he added.

The representative highlighted women and children comprise 70 per cent of those killed in Gaza and called for a life free from violence, regardless of race or religion.

"Globally, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2023. 60 per cent of these homicides - 51,100 - were committed by an intimate partner or a family member," a press release by a UN organisation said. 

"As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) in 2025, it is time for world leaders to UNiTE and act," it added.

BPfA is a landmark document for advancing women’s rights and gender equality worldwide, agreed upon during the 4th World Conference on women in 1995.

The international community came to a consensus and agreed to a comprehensive blueprint of commitments supporting the full development of women and their equality with men in 12 areas of concern.