UAE Permanent Committee For Human Rights Hosts Session On Addressing Violence Against Women And Girls

During the UN Human Rights Council's 57th session, the UAE Permanent Committee for Human Rights (PCHR) organised a significant discussion on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). This event was in collaboration with the League of Arab States (LAS), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women. The global statistics are alarming, with nearly one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence, mostly by partners.

The PCHR event aimed to address VAWG from both regional and global perspectives. It provided a platform for sharing best practices to enhance legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms that protect women and girls. The event also highlighted the need to challenge societal norms that perpetuate such violence.

Ambassador Hisham Bayoud emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, citing the League of Arab States' 2022 Arab Declaration on Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls as a milestone. He stated, "Every woman deserves to live without fear of violence, and across the Arab region we are taking significant steps to make this ambition a reality."

Mouza Al Shehhi stressed the necessity for decisive action against VAWG, while Pernille Fenger from UNFPA highlighted that such violence stems from deep-rooted inequalities. The event included an interactive panel discussion moderated by Hind Alowais, featuring experts like Minister Plenipotentiary Doaa Khalifa and Reem Al Salem.

Reem Al Salem remarked, "Addressing violence against women and girls is not just a moral issue but a fundamental human rights obligation." She advocated for legislative changes alongside efforts to influence societal norms at various levels. Hind Alowais noted that each region faces unique challenges in addressing VAWG.

The fireside chat is part of an ongoing series hosted by the UAE Permanent Committee for Human Rights and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. This series aims to share best practices in human rights implementation while fostering collaboration with international partners.

UAE's Commitment to Gender Equality

Jamal Jama Al Musharakh highlighted the UAE’s dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment. He stated, "Gender equality and women’s empowerment are deeply rooted in Emirati culture and society." The UAE actively collaborates with regional and international partners to address VAWG globally.

The event featured opening remarks from notable speakers including Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, Ambassador Hisham Bayoud, Mouza Al Shehhi, and Pernille Fenger. They discussed progress made so far and future strategies for tackling VAWG effectively.

This gathering underscored the importance of both localised approaches and international cooperation in combating violence against women. By sharing knowledge and strategies, participants aimed to strengthen efforts towards eliminating such violence worldwide.

With inputs from WAM