The United Nations (UN) has called on governments worldwide to intensify efforts to end violence against women and girls.
Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, warned that conflict, militarisation and inequality continue to fuel violence against women globally.
She made the remarks during a high-level meeting marking five years of the UN Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
The meeting took place during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at UN Headquarters in New York.
The commission, established in 1946 by the UN Economic and Social Council, is the world’s leading intergovernmental body focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
According to the UN, more than 4,500 cases of conflict-related sexual violence were verified in 2024.
Officials say the real number is likely much higher due to stigma, fear, and limited reporting systems.
Mohammed highlighted several troubling situations:
- In Sudan, widespread sexual violence has been reported amid the ongoing civil war.
- In Democratic Republic of the Congo, reports indicate that a child is raped every 30 minutes.
- In Haiti, sexual violence against children has surged in recent years.
She stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved without women’s participation in peace processes and governance.
Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the increasing use of drones in the Sudan conflict.
He expressed alarm over reports that more than 200 civilians have been killed by drone attacks since March 4.
The strikes reportedly occurred in the Kordofan region and White Nile State.
Markets, hospitals, schools and residential areas have been severely damaged in the attacks.
Türk urged all parties in the Sudan conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
He emphasised that attacks targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure are strictly prohibited.
The UN warned that the continued escalation of violence, combined with advanced military technology, is worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The 70th CSW session, which runs until March 19, is focusing on improving access to justice for women and girls worldwide.
Delegates from UN member states, international organisations and civil society groups are participating in discussions aimed at strengthening legal systems and eliminating discriminatory practices.
