UN Chief warns of disappearing decades of progress in women’s rights worldwide
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that generational achievements in women’s rights worldwide are stalling, and decades of progress are disappearing. The UN recently reported that over 600 million women and girls are affected by war.
In a new report, Guterres highlighted the impact of rising violence and conflicts globally, stating that progress women have made over generations is now at risk. He emphasized the setbacks in women’s achievements over several decades.
Referring to the UN Security Council’s Resolution of October 31, 2000, which calls for equal participation of women in peace negotiations, Guterres noted that the world is far from meeting this goal.
Guterres also pointed out that current data reveals the “transformative potential of women’s leadership and participation in pursuing peace” is being undermined.
According to the UN report, over 600 million women and girls are currently affected by war, marking a 50% increase compared to a decade ago. The report also states that the number of women killed in armed conflicts doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Additionally, sexual violence against women has risen by over 50%, and violence against girls in conflict zones increased by 35%.
The report comes at a time when women and girls in Afghanistan are completely deprived of their basic rights. The Afghan women and girls are barred from education beyond sixth grade, work, sports, political participation, and free travel.
Human rights activists accuse the Taliban of enforcing gender apartheid against women in Afghanistan.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has worsened under these restrictions, leaving millions of women in a state of desperation.
The international community faces growing pressure to address the gender-based discrimination and urgent humanitarian needs of Afghan women amidst a dire situation in the country.
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