UN RIGHTS EXPERT CALLS FOR ACTION TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

25 November 2002



The following statement was issued today by the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on Violence against Women:
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on Violence against Women, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, appeals to all governments to uphold their international obligations in regards to protecting women from violence.

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The legal principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the core of human rights treaties and declarations, and provide the very foundation for the enjoyment of human rights. However, today’s commemoration reminds us that universal human rights standards are often denied in practice when it comes to women’s rights," Ms. Coomaraswamy said.

Violence against women is recognized as a universal problem facing all societies. In recent years much progress has been made at the international, regional and national levels to reform laws in accordance with The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). While an impressive set of international legal instruments aimed at the protection and promotion of women’s rights had been put in place over the years, there often remains a gap between the enactment of a law and its full implementation, resulting in high levels of impunity.

The Special Rapporteur noted that even though violence against women has been universally condemned, it is still being practiced. She emphasized that the root causes of violence must be understood and addressed and prevention strategies developed. Despite the fact that states have a duty under international law to act with due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish all forms of violence irrespective of whether it is committed by public officials or private individuals, all too often this obligation is not adequately enforced.

Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy calls on all states to use this occasion to renew their commitment to implement international obligations in real terms so that women can enjoy lives free of violence.



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