PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC53 – UK General Comment on violence against women and girls [July 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2023.

General Comment on Violence against Women and Girls, as delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Thank you, Mr President.

Let me begin by thanking the main sponsor for their steadfast efforts in presenting this strong and balanced text. We believe that Canada accommodated the key concerns from a broad range of delegations in striving to achieve consensus on a matter which, we hope, should be of the utmost importance to every delegation sitting in this room.

This draft text seeks to highlight that women and girls in criminal justice detention are disproportionately subjected to practices such as forced or coerced sterilization, forced pregnancy, and forced abortion. Forced practices are frequently based on abuse of power and the disregard for their human rights. In this context, we believe that sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes and services provide a vital access point to survivors of GBV particularly for women and girls in criminal justice detention.

Similarly, Comprehensive Sexuality Education is especially important for women and girls who often face high rates of violence and abuse, as it informs and empowers them to prevent, identify and report acts of GBV. We deeply regret attempts to dilute references to age-appropriate, evidence-based and comprehensive CSE which also teaches youth about their human rights, gender equality but vitally, about respect for others, consent and health relationships. If we are to collectively prevent and end all forms of gender-based violence, we must ensure access to information and education for all.

Mr President,

It remains truly harrowing that 1 in 3 women are subjected to physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Given this stark reality, we strongly support the mandate of a Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls in the UN system. We will also not stand for any efforts seeking to undermine international consensus that aims to protect so many women and girls around the world. We will join consensus on this resolution and we hope our fellow Council Members join us.

Thank you.