The right to live free of violence and discrimination is the right of every human being. Yet, as we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, this right is being violated on a massive and systematic scale. Violence against women continues in every part of the world and it limits social and economic progress and harms families and communities.

UNFPA is proud to join the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women. We are committed to intensified advocacy and action to promote women’s advancement and gender equality. All over the world, UNFPA is working with partners to end widespread impunity and to promote human rights, including the right to sexual and reproductive health.

Today, we pay tribute to the women and men in every country who are bringing these issues to the forefront and demanding justice. We express appreciation to those who have established programmes for women and girls affected by violence.

We acknowledge the governments and parliaments that are taking action. In every region, laws are in place to address violence against women and we urge those responsible to ensure their implementation.

Today, we call on all governments and parliaments that have not yet done so to adopt laws and establish programmes to address violence against women.

Let us pledge on this day to work together to raise awareness that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.

Our collective success in achieving peace and security and making poverty history depends on our ability to end discrimination and violence against women and girls.