DSRSG/RC/HC Ghulam Isaczai opening remarks at DREAM Conference

10 December 2022

Thank you to the Dream Organization for Humanitarian Aid under the auspices of His Excellency Al-Halbousi for inviting me today to speak about this important topic.

Each year, UN agencies with partners commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, commencing on the International Day to End Violence Against Women on November 25 and ending on Human Rights Day on December 10.

The activities fall under the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE initiative to end gender-based violence by 2030 and I am pleased to see that Iraqi society is also reflecting on these important dates by having their own awareness raising events such as the one today.

Violence against women is seen as a fundamental obstacle hindering women’s development and society at large.

In Iraq, early and child Marriage remains a widespread phenomenon with estimates as high as 25 percent.

It is crucial that men and boys are involved and engaged in all activities related to Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls as we need a whole-of-society approach to Ending Violence Against Women.

Eradication of Gender Based Violence is a collective responsibility, and we call on everyone to respond to the alarm raised by women and girls and take firm actions to end the violence.

Prevention of violence is the responsibility of each of us.

Thank you.