UN Commissioner warns of rising violence against women worldwide

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Friday for urgent international action to address the escalating violations against women, warning that current levels of violence and discrimination pose a serious threat to human rights worldwide.

Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk criticized what he described as "social systems that silence women and girls" and shield powerful men from accountability.

He stressed the need for states to investigate all alleged crimes, ensure the protection of survivors, and achieve justice without fear or favor.

Türk also highlighted the deteriorating situation for women in Afghanistan, noting that the restrictions imposed on them are reminiscent of a system of gender segregation.

He further drew attention to cases that have garnered international attention, including that of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and that of the French woman Gisèle Pellecou, who revealed details of the sexual assaults she had exposed to during the trial of her ex-husband and several other defendants.

He said such cases reflect the extent of the exploitation and abuse of women and girls, stressing that the lack of accountability contributes to the continuation of these violations.

The UN High Commissioner also expressed concern about the increasing attacks targeting women in the public sphere; via the Internet, noting that many female politicians complain of being subjected to hate speech and digital violence.

Türk explained that in 2024, nearly 50,000 women and girls were killed worldwide, most of them by members of their own families, reiterating the call for urgent action to address this phenomenon.