UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY: HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO MARK THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
25 November 2024
Statement by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
Thank you, President, and thank you for convening this important meeting.
First, let us celebrate the fact that 25 years ago we had the foresight to acknowledge the importance of dedicating an international day to mobilise global action to eradicate violence against women and girls.
As all of us know, the first step to addressing a challenge so profoundly impacting the lives of so many is to identify that we have a problem.
However, we must also reflect on this 25th anniversary that much remains to be done.
The data is appalling.
We know that globally one woman is killed due to gender-based violence every ten minutes, that is some 140 women every single day. A truly shocking statistic.
In my own country in April this year, the Prime Minister declared that Australia faced a national crisis of violence against women with one woman being killed every four days.
We know that this is unacceptable.
Australia’s current National Action Plan to End Violence against Women and Children prioritises four key elements: being prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery and healing.
It highlights how all parts of society; including governments, businesses and workplaces, media, schools, for families, communities, and all individuals must work together to achieve the shared vision of ending gender-based violence in one generation.
Internationally, we're also working with partners under Australia’s International Development Policy to support regional and global efforts to address, prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence. And we know this is a critical priority in our own immediate region.
President,
Today's debate demonstrates conclusively that collectively we are failing to protect and promote the most fundamental rights and interests of women and girls.
Not only are we failing to make the situation better, we know that in many parts of the world the circumstances of women and girls are going backward dramatically.
We all have a collective responsibility to step up and act.
Thank you.