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Month: November 2022

Healing Haiti in the face of an increase in sexual violence

Claudine* looks across a sweeping valley high above the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. The lushness of the tropical vegetation, the cool fresh air and the low-hanging clouds are in stark contrast to the dusty, hot and suffocating backstreets of Petionville, lower down the valley, where four years ago she was the victim of sexual abuse which changed her life.

“At the time, I was 16 years old and living with my cousin and her husband,” she said. “I looked after their children, like they were my own.” Claudine should have been at school but after her mother and grandmother died had no other option but to become a domestic worker in her cousin’s house. It was there that she was sexually assaulted by her cousin’s husband.

“I didn’t know what to do but a friend did report the incident to the police, but nothing was done to find the man.”

A refuge from abuse

A year after her daughter was born, Claudine was taken to a refuge for abused minors, many of whom like her were caring for newborns. The refuge, where she has lived now for three years, is run by Rapha House, an organization which is committed to ending the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.

Personal items are available for purchase by the residents of Rapha House.
UN Haiti/Daniel Dickinson

Nahomy Augustin is a project coordinator for the international NGO in Haiti. “Many of the young women here are the victims of extreme poverty and insecurity, to the extent that the lack of basic services and opportunities that they have access to means that they become vulnerable to abuse,” she said.

The refuge, which is located in an intentionally inconspicuous building, in a tranquil neighbourhood above Port-au-Prince, supports the young women in the recovery from their traumatic experiences. “We take a holistic approach,” said Nahomy Augustin, “and provide a range of services, including medical and psychological care, accommodation and legal advice as well as family mediation.”

The aim is to help each young woman to return to her family within a year as long as it is safe, but many like Claudine stay longer. The refuge can currently accommodate 24 young women as well as their babies, but a new centre is being built which can provide care to up to 80 people.

The Spotlight Initiative, in partnership with the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, is supporting this and other refuges for women in Haiti.

Rape as a weapon

Geraldine Alferis is a gender-based violence expert at UNICEF. “Haiti, and especially the capital Port-au-Prince, is experiencing a surge in gang violence. Thousands of girls and women are being displaced, which makes them very vulnerable to abuse,” she said.  

In July, the United Nations said that rival gangs in the Cite Soleil neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince were adopting the “systematic use of rape against women and girls as a weapon of war.”

“Gang rape is a particularly tragic occurrence and so we work to ensure that the survivors get the help they need,” said Geraldine Alferis.

Claudine was sexually assaulted when she was 16 years old.
UN Haiti/Daniel Dickinson

The Spotlight Initiative in Haiti focuses on ending domestic violence, rape, incest, sexual harassment, physical and psychological violence, as well as other restrictions on the freedoms and rights of women and girls. It also aims to provide holistic care to women and girls who are survivors of violence.

On a visit to the refuge, the UN Resident Coordinator in Haiti, Ulrika Richardson, said “it was chilling to hear the stories of these young women and girls,” adding that “I also sensed hope and recognized the importance of the services to which they have access.”

“I am proud of the Spotlight Initiative and the much-needed assistance it is providing along with our local partners, but what I heard on this visit is a stark reminder of the urgency to tackle the root causes of sexual violence.”

At the refuge above Port-au-Prince, the survivors like Claudine are able to study, taking school classes that many missed out on when they were younger. They can also take practical classes to learn skills like sewing or soap-making, which can enable them to make a small amount of money, a first important step towards building their independence.

“Going to school is very important,” said Claudine. “If you are working for a family like I did, it is not enough just to receive food and have a bed. You must be given the opportunity to study and make a life for yourself.”  

16 Days of Activism

  • The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a United Nations initiative supported by the European Union and other partners.

  • On 25 November, an annual international campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls gets underway. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starts on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

First Person: The Liberian police inspector working to end sexual and gender-based violence

“I am in charge of cases pertaining to women and children in Nimba county. The most prevalent cases I handle here are rape, persistent non-support (failure to pay alimony) and domestic violence. Rape is the most commonly reported of these cases. It is a very difficult issue to work on, even for those of us with training and experience, because the impact of rape stays with the survivor for life.

If a child is raped, they are provided counselling, medical and other support but they will never fully recover from the trauma and even physical damage. This is why I support the work of Spotlight Initiative to create awareness and share messages on the prevention of rape and the abuse of women and children. It is important that we work very hard to prevent this violence, and for offenders to be punished.

The newly renovated and equipped Women and Children's Protection Centre at Sanniquille Police Station.
Spotlight Initiative Liberia/Helen Mayelle

‘Women are being heard’

After COVID-19 and Ebola we experienced very high cases of rape because perpetrators had the advantage when children were at home. Women and girls are very vulnerable populations…from time immemorial they have been vulnerable. It’s about now that women are getting onboard and being heard.

We were trained in different areas of handling sexual and gender-based violence and how to work with survivors of rape. Spotlight has a team that can come and monitor us, follow up on cases we have documented and the cases that are forwarded to court. They also collect data on cases.

Through Spotlight, we have seen more women and girls coming up to report cases by themselves. Previously, it would be through other community members who have an understanding of the law and justice processes, but with the awareness created on how to report cases [women and girls] are coming here openly.

Spotlight has also renovated our office building and supplied us with chairs, desks and computers for us to do our work. They gave us a motorcycle for us to follow up on cases from remote communities.

Spotlight provided placards with messages to ‘stop rape’ and others with ‘rape is a crime’. Some placards explain that there are people out there to help victims of rape, and where to report cases of abuse. They also have messages for the offenders saying that ‘if you commit this crime, you will be punished’. People read these placards and change their behaviour. Victims and reporters of cases now know that they are protected by the law if they report. They know that there are people to help them.

16 Days of Activism

  • The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a United Nations initiative supported by the European Union and other partners.

  • On 25 November, an annual international campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls gets underway. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence starts on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

Central African Republic: UN chief strongly condemns airfield attack which left one peacekeeper dead

In a statement, the UN integrated stabilization mission in CAR, MINUSCA, said the attack at the Obo airfield near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, had taken place on Thursday morning, and that the mission had “immediately opened an investigation into the exact circumstances” surrounding the incident.

Likely war crime

In his statement released via his Spokesperson’s Office in New York, UN chief António Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Kingdom and people of Morocco.” 

He recalled that such attacks “may constitute war crimes under international law” and called on the Government of CAR “to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”

MINUSCA reminded that any attack on a ‘blue helmet’ was liable to prosecution by both national and international authorities.

The Security Council also issued a statement late on Friday, condemning the attack “in the strongest terms”, stressing that anybody found to be involved in the planning, direction or sponsoring of such attacks, could be sanctioned.

Council members expressed their full support for MINUSCA, and “expressed their deep appreciation” to the mission’s troop and peace-contributing nations, while also stressing the importance of the mission continuing to have the necessary capacities to carry out its mandate. 

UN solidarity with CAR

Mr. Guterres reaffirmed the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Government of CAR, where MINUSCA has been in operation since 2014, with its first priority being to provide protection to civilians caught up in years of conflict.

Following decades of instability, in 2012, the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition launched a series of attacks leading to them capturing control of the capital, and the transfer of power to a transitional government, but sectarian conflict was exacerbated by the rise of the predominantly Christian anti-Balaka movement.

With its mandate renewed just a few weeks ago for a further year, MINUSCA has continued to play a key role in recent months, countering still widespread insecurity, Mission chief Valentine Rugwabiza told the Security Council in October.

Early that month, three peacekeepers were killed patrolling near the Cameroon border, and MINUSCA has repeatedly called on the Government to lift a ban on UN night flights, for the safety and personnel and effectiveness of humanitarian aid distribution.

‘Robust’ response

The MINUSCA chief said the mission had been taking a “robust, preventive and proactive posture” responding to security alerts from various civilian communities in the face of continuing threats from armed groups.

She promised that the mission would continue to position forces where needed to help restore order, advance disarmament and rehabilitation efforts, and help cut off rebel supply routes.

The latest UN report for the Security Council pointed to the “indispensable contribution” of MINUSCA’s multidimensional mandate, which the search for lasting political solutions continues in CAR, she said

Sincères condoléances au Royaume du Maroc ainsi qu’aux proches du Casque bleu marocain tué dans une attaque en #RCA hier alors qu’il servait pour la paix avec @UN_CAR. Une enquête a été ouverte et les auteurs de cet acte odieux devront être tenus responsables. #A4P https://t.co/fxIdbLOmp3

Taliban’s draconian violations against women may amount to crimes against humanity

“In recent months, violations of women and girls’ fundamental rights and freedoms in Afghanistan, already the most severe and unacceptable in the world, have sharply increased”, they said.

In a statement pushing back on the Taliban’s violations, the Special Rapporteurs argued that gender persecution is a crime against humanity, which can be prosecuted under international law.

‘Tantamount to imprisonment’

While girls remain excluded from secondary education, women have also been stopped from entering parks, gyms, and other public places – and in at least one region, recently blocked from entering their university.

“Banning women’s access to parks also denies children the opportunity for leisure and exercise and their right to engage in play and recreational activities”, the experts pointed out.

“Confining women to their homes is tantamount to imprisonment and is likely leading to increased levels of domestic violence and mental health challenges”.

Instrumentalizing genders

At the same time, Taliban officers have been brutally beating men accompanying women wearing colourful clothing, or without a face covering.

Moreover, they are removing women and girls’ agency by punishing male relatives for the purported offences of women – instrumentalizing one gender against the other by encouraging men to control the behaviour, attire and movement of women and girls in their circles.

“We are deeply concerned that such actions are intended to compel men and boys to punish women and girls who resist the Taliban’s erasure of them, further depriving them of their rights, and normalizing violence against them”, the statement underscored.

Defend defenders

Women human rights defenders peacefully protesting against growing restrictions on women have for months been increasingly targeted, beaten, and arrested.

On 3 November, a press conference was disrupted and attendees detained, including activist Zarifa Yaquobi, who along with four men, remain incarcerated by the Taliban’s intelligence department.

The experts raised their concern over the wellbeing of the arrested human rights defenders and reminded the Taliban that “arresting people for exercising their fundamental rights is unlawful and constitutes arbitrary detention”.

Call to Taliban

The Special Rapporteurs called on the de facto authorities to abide by all international human rights obligations and commitments and fully implement human rights standards, including the rights of all girls and women to education, employment, and participation in public and cultural life.

The experts also stressed that Zarifa Yaquobi, and the men detained with her, be “immediately and unconditionally released”, or that the Taliban publicly state the reasons for their detention and allow contact with their families and lawyers.

Other calls to action were for the Taliban to respect the fundamental rights to assemble without intimidation and attacks; repeal the edict that punishes male family members for perceived transgressions of women and girls; open all secondary schools for girls and ensure their continued access to university education; and remove all restrictions from accessing public locations.

International actions needed

Meanwhile, the experts also called on the international community to demand the reversal of women’s restrictions and ensure respect and protection of their rights during all discussions with the de facto authorities.

Additionally, global leaders should take steps to investigate and prosecute those responsible for gender persecution in appropriate international and extra-territorial jurisdictions; increase support to Afghan human rights defenders, especially women and girls; and promote and provide safe platforms for women to engage in decision making processes on the country.

Banning women’s access to parks denies children the opportunity to play and exercise.
IOM 2021/Paula Bonstein

Banning women’s access to parks denies children the opportunity to play and exercise.

About the experts

Click here to see the names of those who participated in the statement.

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and they are not paid for their work.

🇦🇫 #Afghanistan: Latest actions targeting women & girls by #Taliban de facto authorities may amount to gender persecution, a crime against humanity. Such acts deepen existing violations of women’s rights & freedoms – already the most drastic globally: https://t.co/XYhoQX9ojf https://t.co/TtPunKLDGF

Eliminate violence against women, most widespread, pervasive human rights violation

In a statement kicking off the “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls campaign”, they reminded that an estimated one in three women experience gender-based violence during her lifetime.

Moreover, that last year, nearly one in five 20- to 24-year-old women had been married before turning 18 and less than 40 per cent who experience violence seek help of any sort.  

Violent triggers

At the same time, global emergencies, crises, and conflict have further intensified VAWG and exacerbated the drivers and risk factors.

“Since the start of COVID-19, 45 per cent of women reported that they or a woman they know has experienced a form of VAWG”, according to the statement.

Natural disasters also aggravate all types of gender-based violence, as witnessed in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, in 2011’s tropical cyclones in Vanuatu, and from 2019 to 2022 during bush fires in Australia.

Meanwhile, existing forms of gender-based violence have grown online as anti-rights movements have flourished.

These have resulted in “shrinking space for civil society, a backlash against women’s rights organizations, and a rise in attacks against women human rights defenders and activists”, the UN entities stated.

Combatting the scourge

While ending gender-based VAWG might seem unimaginable, the UN underscored that “it is not”.

“Large-scale reductions in violence against women can be achieved through intensive feminist activism and advocacy coupled with evidence and practice-informed multisectoral action and investment”, the statement continued.

Citing evidence suggesting that “strong and autonomous feminist movements” as being “the most critical factor” in ending VAWG, UN Women and its sister agencies are calling upon governments and partners to “act now to end violence against women and show their solidarity to women’s rights movements and activists”.

Taking steps, making a stand

Through the UNiTE campaign, the UN is asking for increased long-term funding and support to women’s rights organizations working on solutions to prevent and respond to VAWG.

It is also advocating for resisting the rollback on women’s rights; amplifying the voices of women human rights defenders and feminist women’s movements; mobilizing more actors to join movements to end VAGW globally; and promoting the leadership and participation of women and girls in political, policy making, and decision-making spaces.

The statement also underscores the need to strengthen protections to prevent and eliminate violence, harassment, threats, intimidation, and discrimination against women human rights defenders and women’s rights advocates/activists.

Against the Pushback, We #PushForward | 16 Days 2022

Learn to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship, and how you can help victims find safety and support.

@UN_Women has guidance on Friday’s International Day to End Violence against Women: https://t.co/dmikJ2pbm5 #16Days https://t.co/ABzrhhmEM2

Ukraine: Missile strikes, summary executions highlight importance of international law

“Millions are being plunged into extreme hardship and appalling conditions of life by these strikes”, he said.

“Taken as a whole, this raises serious problems under international humanitarian law, which requires a concrete and direct military advantage for each object attacked”.

Racking up casualties

According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), on Wednesday further missile strikes in the city and region of Kyiv killed at least eight civilians, counting one girl, and injured some 45 others, including seven children.

A two-day old baby boy was killed, and two doctors injured by a rocket strike on a hospital in Vilniansk, in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Since Russia began its ongoing barrage of missile strikes and loitering munition attacks across the country on 10 October, HRMMU has verified at least 77 civilian deaths and 272 injured. 

Allegations on both sides

In addition to documenting civilian casualties, the Monitoring Mission has been examining videos and other information surrounding alleged summary executions.

“Since Russia began its armed attack on Ukraine in February, there have been numerous allegations of summary executions by both parties of prisoners of war and others no longer participating in the fighting”, Mr. Türk said.

“Persons hors de combat, including soldiers who have surrendered, are protected under international humanitarian law and their summary execution constitutes a war crime”, he reminded.

‘Forensic investigations’ needed

Among some of the videos that have surfaced over the last two weeks on social media are video clips from the village of Makiivka, which show the apparent surrender of Russian forces or Russian-affiliated armed groups; a man opening fire at Ukrainian soldiers; and subsequently the dead bodies of some 12 Russian soldiers.  

“Our Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has conducted a preliminary analysis indicating that these disturbing videos are highly likely to be authentic in what they show. The actual circumstances of the full sequence of events must be investigated to the fullest extent possible, and those found responsible, appropriately held to account”, said the senior UN official. 

“The analysis the Mission has done to date underlines the need for independent and detailed forensic investigations to help establish exactly what happened”. 

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the events.

“It is essential that all allegations of summary executions are investigated fully in a manner that is – and is seen to be – independent, impartial, thorough, transparent, prompt and effective”, said Mr. Türk.

Cost of war

The UN Human Rights Chief also called on the parties to “issue clear instructions” to refrain from retaliation and reprisals against any prisoners of war and to ensure that these instructions are fully complied with.

“The rules governing armed conflict set out in the Geneva Conventions demand this. Order your troops to treat those who surrender and those they detain humanely”.

He flagged the devastating impacts of missile strikes by Russian forces and allegations of summary executions of prisoners of war as showing “all too plainly the intolerable human cost of this, and any other, armed conflict”.

“They are a stark reminder of why international law exists and why it must be fully complied with to prevent a descent into utter inhumanity and negation of the very idea of our human rights”, the High Commissioner stressed.

Shock at the unabated human suffering in Ukraine. Broad missile strikes by Russian forces on Ukraine and alleged executions of POWs underscore why international law must be respected – UN Human Rights Chief @volker_turk: https://t.co/Z6inkRLU6t https://t.co/qTDwvmJfmj

UN rights body launches Iran human rights investigation

The Council, meeting in special session in response to the crisis that was sparked by the death in September in police custody of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini, heard Mr. Türk criticize “the fortress mentality of those who wield power” in Iran.

The “unnecessary and disproportionate use of force” must end, he insisted. 

Harrowing images

“It pains me to see what is happening in the country,” he told the packed chamber. “The images of children killed. Of women beaten in the streets. Of people sentenced to death.”

The UN High Commissioner highlighted how the security forces, “notably the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij forces have used live ammunition, birdshot and other metal pellets, teargas and batons” against the protest movement as it has spread to a reported 150 cities and 140 universities in all provinces of Iran.

Before calling for an independent probe into all alleged rights violations, the High Commissioner noted that his Office had received “multiple communications” from Iran about the episode, “including domestic investigations”.These efforts “have failed to meet international standards of impartiality, independence and transparency”, Mr. Türk said.

Official denials

Responding to the High Commissioner’s comments, Iran’s representative, Khadijeh Karimi, Deputy of the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, insisted that “necessary measures” had been taken to seek justice by the Government, after Ms. Amini’s death. These included the formation of an independent, parliamentary investigation commission as well as a forensic medical team.

“However, before the formal announcement of the probe analysis, the biased and hasty reaction of a number of Western authorities and their interventions in internal affairs of Iran, turned the peaceful assemblies into riots and violence,” she maintained.

Also speaking at the Special Session – the Council’s 35th since it was founded in 2005 – Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran insisted that in the past week, efforts to silence the protesters had intensified, including against children.

Child victims among dead

At least 60 to 70 people have been killed, he said, including five children, mostly from Kurdish areas. He also described as “alarming” the situation in the Kurdish cities of Piranshahr, Javanrood and Mahabad.

“The Iranian Government has consistently presented unsubstantiated reports and reiterated assertions claiming that Jina Mahsa did not die as a result of any violence or beatings,” he said. “In other reports, the Government refutes the killings of children by security forces, claiming that they committed suicide, fell from a height, were poisoned or killed by anonymous ‘enemy agents’.”

These are three of an estimated 400 who have been killed because they stood up for their right to determine their own life.

Hijab rules

Since Ms. Amini’s death following her arrest by Iran’s so-called Morality Police on 13 September for not wearing her hijab properly, more than 300 people have been killed in protests, including at least 40 children, according to latest UN human rights office information.

At least 15,000 people have been arrested too “and the Iranian regime is now threatening protesters with the death penalty,” said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of Germany, which originally called for the Special Session: “And why? Only because these women, men and children want to enjoy the rights we all want to enjoy: to live in dignity and without discrimination.”

Echoing that message, United States Human Rights Ambassador in Geneva Michèle Taylor told the Council that the people of Iran were “demanding something so simple, something that most of us here take for granted: the opportunity to speak and to be heard. We applaud their courage, especially the women, girls and young people who are bravely demanding respect for their human rights and accountability for abuses.”

🔴 BREAKING

At its 35th special session, the @UN Human Rights Council decided to create a new fact-finding mission to investigate “alleged #HumanRightsViolations in the Islamic Republic of #Iran related to the protests that began on 16 September 2022.”

#SS35 https://t.co/d1wqPCC7fy

Music, passion, and powerful women: Launch of amplifyHER, an exciting new UN podcast

Many women produce art in the face of, and sometimes inspired by, the challenges they face in society, whether related to insecurity, human rights, climate change, inequality, or simply because of their gender.

In amplifyHER, we will hear directly from some of the most exciting and talented women singers in the business, from teenage Thai rapper Milli, to EDM powerhouse Faouzia, and Emel, the voice of the Tunisian revolution.

The series is a compelling mix of music, interviews, and natural sound, featuring inspiring women musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, talking about their challenges as women in a male-dominated industry, how they’ve overcome barriers, and what drives them to continue creating music.

“Making this series was a joy,” says the amplifyHER presenter, Laura Quinoñes. “I was able to have conversations with these huge talents, who felt comfortable being vulnerable with me, speaking to me from their safe spaces: studios, kitchens, even their bedrooms!”

With help from music entertainment company SoundCloud, which is committed to supporting women artists, the UN team identified 10 women artists, representing a diverse range of countries and cultures (see below for the full list).

“One of the hardest things about making this series was coming up with the shortlist of artists,” says the series producer, Conor Lennon. “SoundCloud put together a great selection of immensely gifted musicians, and whittling them down to the 10 that we’ve chosen involved making some difficult decisions!”

amplifyHER is dedicated to women and girls everywhere, particularly to those whose dreams and aspirations are unfulfilled, due to discrimination and oppression.

“The empowerment of women and girls, and the achievement of gender equality, are central to the mission of the United Nations” says Melissa Fleming, the head of Global Communications at the UN.

“We hope that amplifyHER will help us to reach a new audience of young people, especially girls, and encourage them to find out more about the ways the UN is working to improve people’s lives”.

You can find amplifyHER wherever you get your podcasts. Like and subscribe, to ensure that you never miss an episode!

The artists

amplifyHER is a UN News production, supported by SoundCloud. The first episode is released Thursday, 24 November, on all major podcast platforms. Subsequent episodes will be released on a weekly basis.

  • Episode 1: Milli (Thailand)

Teenage superstar Milli became the first Thai artist to perform solo at the world-famous Coachella Music festival, winning over a brand-new audience. She has been making waves in her country ever since the release of her debut single Phak Kon in 2020, thanks to witty lyrics in English, Thai, and several regional dialects.

  • Episode 2: MC Yallah (Uganda)

A successful artist from a very young age, MC Yallah had to fight her way back into the music industry, after taking time out to raise her family. A turning point came when she signed with Nyege Nyege, a record company that supports artists outside the mainstream. She took her music into a new, more experimental direction, and is now drawing big crowds across Europe.

  • Episode 3: Carmen de Leon (Venezuela)

Carmen, a woman songwriter from Venezuela, is exploding on the scene as an artist and songwriter. She makes music in both Spanish and English, and is a fiercely independent voice. Despite having lived in Mexico, the US and Spain, she feels a strong attachment to her Venezuelan roots. Several of her videos have over one million views on YouTube.

  • Episode 4: Emel (Tunisia)

Emel Mathlouthi was named the ‘voice of the Tunisian revolution, after a video of her performing a version of the song ‘My Word is Free’, during a Tunisian street protest, went viral online during the Arab Spring.

  • Episode 5: Faouzia (Morocco/ Canada)

Faouzia, a young singer with a huge voice, was born in Morocco and raised in Canada. She started making a name for herself when she was just 15, posting songs to YouTube and winning Canadian music prizes and awards. Soon after, when she was still in high school, influential EDM producer David Guetta invited her to feature on his song “Battle”.

  • Episode 6: Sarah Crouch (Jamaica)

Sarah Crouch is part of DejaVilla, a duo she formed with Brooklyn-based producer and songwriter David Marston, who provides the dance rhythms to her sensual vocals. Although her parents were both musicians, they encouraged her to study in the hospitality industry, in the knowledge that making a living in the music industry, particularly in Jamaica, can be hard. Cooking is still one of her passions.

  • Episode 7: Adomaa (Ghana)

Adomaa’s musical career began when she started singing covers of songs she liked, and recording them on her phone. Today she is seen as a leading light of afro-jazz and alternative music in her home country.

  • Episode 8: Alena Murang (Malaysia)

Alena Murang is working to preserve her Dayak Kelabit indigenous roots, from the rainforests and highlands of the island of Borneo. She was the first woman to professionally perform and teach the Sape, a lute instrument of the highland tribes of the island traditionally reserved for male healers. She sings in the endangered languages of Kelabit and Kenyah. 

  • Episode 9: LIA LIA (Germany/China)

LIA LIA is the brainchild of half-Chinese, half-German artist Lia Wang. Her early releases drew global attention, and led to a personal invite from Doja Cat to support her on a string of German shows. She has over 245,000 subscribers on YouTube.

  • Episode 10: Lyn Lapid (USA/ Philippines)

As a teenager, Lyn Lapid started posting cover videos on Youtube. In late 2019, she launched her Tik Tok page, quickly building an audience of five million followers, who were captivated by her voice. A snippet of her first original song, Producer Man, become the most viewed unreleased demo on a Tik Tok video in 2020.

Consign violence against women and girls, ‘to the history books’: UN chief 

From the COVID-19 pandemic to economic turmoil, a range of stresses intensify physical and verbal abuse.  

Meanwhile, misogynistic hate speech and sexual harassment trigger rampant online exploitation against women and girls.  

“This discrimination, violence and abuse targeting half of humanity comes at a steep cost”, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored in his message for the day.  

“It limits women’s and girls’ participation in all walks of life, denies their basic rights and freedoms, and blocks the equal economic recovery and sustainable growth our world needs”.  

A woman leads a focus group in Mali, where she sensitizes girls and women against all forms of violence, including child marriage and female genital mutilation, in order to bring behavior change.
© UNICEF/Harandane Dicko

A woman leads a focus group in Mali, where she sensitizes girls and women against all forms of violence, including child marriage and female genital mutilation, in order to bring behavior change.

Behavior overhaul  

He upheld that it is time for “transformative action” that ends violence against women and girls – the most pervasive human rights violation in the world. 

The top UN official outlined what needed to be done, including that governments design, fund and implement national action plans to tackle this scourge.  

Moreover, grassroots and civil society groups must be involved at every stage of decision-making and all laws “implemented and respected”, so survivors can see their rights to justice and support upheld.  

He also urged everyone to support public campaigns that challenge patriarchal norms and promote different forms of masculinities that reject misogyny and violence.  

Call to action 

According to the UN chief, this year’s theme, “UNITE: Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, reminds everyone to stand with activists around the world demanding change and support survivors of violence.  

“I call on governments to increase funding by 50 per cent to women’s rights organizations and movements by 2026”, he stated.  

In closing, the Secretary-General advocated for the world to “take a stand and raise our voices in support of women’s rights…[and] proudly declare: We are all feminists”. 

“Supporting and investing in strong, autonomous women’s rights organizations and feminist movements is key to ending violence against women and girls”, says the UN. 

Silence, stigma, and shame 

A woman participates in a march against gender violence in Quito, Ecuador.
© UN Women/Johis Alarcón

A woman participates in a march against gender violence in Quito, Ecuador.

Key to ending violence 

Five years ago, the #MeToo movement exploded, sparking global mobilization in preventing and responding to violence against women and girls. 

Since then, unprecedented awareness and momentum have been created. 

At the same time however, there has been a rise in anti-feminist groups – resulting in shrinking space for civil society, a backlash against women’s rights organizations and a rise in attacks against women human rights defenders and activists. 

Impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding violence against women and girls (VAWG) has kept the persistent and devastating human rights violation largely unreported.

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

The adverse psychological, sexual and reproductive health consequences of VAWG affect women at all stages of life and can happen to anyone, anywhere.  

VAWG take many forms, such as 

  • Intimate partner violence, from battering to psychological abuse and marital rape to femicide. 
  • Sexual violence and harassment that can involve rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, stalking and cyber- harassment. 
  • Human trafficking, which encompasses slavery and sexual exploitation. 
  • Female genital mutilation.  
  • Child marriage. 

Additionally, this violence continues hamper equality, development, peace and the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights – preventing the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to leave no one behind. 

16 days of activism 

The International Day also kicks off the UNiTE campaign, an initiative of 16 days of activism that runs from 25 November to 10 December and concludes on International Human Rights Day. 

This campaign aims to prevent and eliminate VAWG, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities to discuss challenges and solutions. 

This year, UNITE will mobilize all society globally to stand in solidarity with women’s rights activists and to support feminist movements to resist any rollback on women’s rights.

Assembly President visits abuse survivors’ centre

Meanwhile, General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi visited the Manhattan Family Justice Center, where local leaders and community-based organizations assisting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence told him that because every survivor is unique, judgement-free solutions must be too.

“These issues are complicated. There are families, children involved. People will reach out for help multiple times, they might want to understand their options, connect with family, because these are life-changing decisions,” said Commissioner Cecile Noel, from the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence.  

She noted that on average, it takes seven attempts to leave a domestic violence relationship.

“Put what you own in a plastic bag and leave. That’s basically what we’re asking them to do”.

UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi and spouse Edit Móra meet with New York City Commissioners Cecile Noel and Edward Mermelstein, and community-based organizations supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
NYC Government/Beth Seibold

UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi and spouse Edit Móra meet with New York City Commissioners Cecile Noel and Edward Mermelstein, and community-based organizations supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

Partnering for good

The Manhattan Family Justice Center, one of five in New York City, connects survivors and their children with organizations that provide case management, economic empowerment, counseling, civil legal, and criminal legal assistance. 

To get a first-hand look at how services are provided and tease out how the Assembly could support those efforts, Mr. Kőrösi spoke with representatives of the Arab American Support Center, Safe Horizon, Sanctuary for Families, and the Urban Resource Institute.

“We are here to find out the good news from your work that can be brought to the UN and through the UN, to the entire world,” said Mr. Kőrösi, who was accompanied by his wife Edit Móra.

“There is no one size fits all solution”, reiterated Michael Polenberg, from Safe Horizon.

Lauren Schuster from the Urban Resource Institute highlighted the importance of including survivors in solutions, saying, “we cannot deicide for them what their journey looks like”.

The discussion also touched on trust building, domestic and gender-based violence education, and the emotional learning among children as well as helping youth think differently about their behaviors.

Inching forward

Earlier that day, two bills were signed – one focusing on low-barrier grant and supportive services to help survivors maintain housing.

NYC has 54 shelters for survivors of domestic or gender-based violence, which cater to some 4,000 families – separate from the city’s homeless population, which surpassed 60,200 in September.

“Many of the survivors are employed. They cannot continue to do that living off a mother’s couch or out of hosing. And often with children in tow”, said Commissioner Noel.

Mr. Kőrösi asked participants to share their experiences with Member States, adding that he would also like to invite a group of survivors and their children to the UN.

 

Nearly 40 million children susceptible to measles due to COVID-19 disruptions

Pandemic-related disruptions caused 25 million boys and girls to miss their first dose of the measles vaccine last year, while another 14.7 million did not get the second dose.

The record decline in measles vaccination coverage represents a significant setback in global progress to combat the disease.

Pandemic paradox

“The paradox of the pandemic is that while vaccines against COVID-19 were developed in record time and deployed in the largest vaccination campaign in history, routine immunization programmes were badly disrupted, and millions of kids missed out on life-saving vaccinations against deadly diseases like measles,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General.

 “Getting immunization programmes back on track is absolutely critical. Behind every statistic in this report is a child at risk of a preventable disease,” he added.

Globally, there were an estimated nine million cases of measles in 2021, and 128,000 deaths.

Twenty-two countries experienced large and disruptive outbreaks, some of which have continued into this year.

Imminent threat everywhere

Declines in vaccine coverage, weakened measles surveillance, as well as continued interruptions and delays in immunization due to the pandemic, have made measles an imminent threat to every region of the world.

The situation is grave, the report said, as measles is one of the most contagious human viruses, though it is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. 

Coverage of 95 per cent or greater of two vaccine doses is needed to create herd immunity that will protect communities.

However, global coverage rates are at their lowest levels since 2008, though they vary by country.

Currently, only 81 per cent of children are receiving their first measles-containing vaccine dose, and 71 per cent are getting their second dose. 

A nurse transports vaccines to remote villages on the banks of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
© UNICEF/Diana Zeyneb Alhindawi

A nurse transports vaccines to remote villages on the banks of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Identify at-risk communities

The report warned that measles anywhere is a threat everywhere, as the virus can quickly spread throughout communities and across borders.

Furthermore, none of WHO’s six regions worldwide has achieved and sustained measles elimination.

“The record number of children under-immunized and susceptible to measles shows the profound damage immunization systems have sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Rochelle P. Walensky, the CDC Director. 

“Measles outbreaks illustrate weaknesses in immunization programmes, but public health officials can use outbreak response to identify communities at risk, understand causes of under-vaccination, and help deliver locally tailored solutions to ensure vaccinations are available to all.” 

Action and investment

The report urged public health officials to accelerate and strengthen vaccination efforts now.

Coordinated action by all partners, and at all levels – global, regional, national and local – is needed to prioritize efforts towards finding and immunizing all unprotected children.

Investment in robust surveillance systems is also required to mitigate the risk of outbreaks.
 

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