UK Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls at the UN Human Rights Council 59

Strategic Insights -

The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, both domestically and internationally, at the UN Human Rights Council 59. The UK's Permanent Representative to the UN, Simon Manley, delivered the statement, highlighting both positive developments and areas for improvement in the country's response to violence against women and girls.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK recognizes the importance of robust legislation, including laws against sexual violence, domestic abuse, modern slavery, and human trafficking, as well as measures to prevent and address workplace harassment.
  • The country acknowledges the need to improve services for women affected by violence and abuse, particularly in relation to sustainable provision and data collection.
  • The UK is committed to tailoring approaches to the specific needs of each nation within the United Kingdom, while working together to ensure a coherent framework for safety and security.
  • The Government has introduced measures to strengthen the police response to domestic abuse, tackle stalking, and improve the policing response.
  • A new strategy will be published to set the direction and actions to deliver on the pledge to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade.

Statistics:

  • The UK has introduced "Raneem's Law" to strengthen the police's response to domestic abuse.
  • A new National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection will receive £13 million to improve the policing response.
  • The country aims to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade.

Sources:

  • United Kingdom -- Government Statements Speech UN Human Rights Council 59: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls
  • The Online Safety Act 2023
  • The manifesto on which the current Government was elected last summer
  • A joint statement to be delivered by Colombia on the use of established terms such as gender-based violence