A union perspective : UNCSW 57 opens in New York

All the speakers at the official opening of the 57th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) noted the need to urgently address the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.

Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women, said, “We need strong commitments from states so that violence against women can end.” More than 6000 civil society participants from all over the world have registered for the meeting, which effectively makes it the largest international meeting on ending violence against women ever! Mrs Bachelet drew attention to the fact that 70% of women in the world are faced with some form of violence in their life and all too often are blamed or punished themselves. She called upon the UN to lead by example and suggested that ending violence against women be set as an MDG in itself.

“Action is needed to strengthen and accelerate implementation, which is now slow and uneven. More action is required on prevention, which requires the participation of women at all levels. A full range of services should be provided to women with equal access to these services. More women in the police and judicial structures, and reliable data, would make sure that policies will be more targeted and carried out with the right focus. Ten years ago, this theme was dealt with by the UNCSW and no consensus was achieved. Now all over the world change is possible and it is happening. The UNCSW must deliver its contribution.”

Follow the proceedings of UNCSW57 on the blog: http://unioncsw.world-psi.org