By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
It has been observed that crises spurred by conflict, natural disasters or climate change are compounding human rights violations as record numbers of women and girls are forced to flee their homes, dramatically increasing their vulnerability to a range of grievous harms, including sex trafficking, child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.
The observation was contained in a Statement by UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem during the closeout ceremony held at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare on Tuesday, UNFPA stressed that funding for gender-based violence always falls woefully short in humanitarian response plans.
The Theme of the 2024 16 Days of Activism is, “For a more just, equal and prosperous world, prioritize the of women and girls”.
According to her, “Human rights exist to protect us, all of us, from harm and to promote dignity and inclusion. Peace and prosperity depend on fulfilling rights.”
“Three decades ago, people from all over the world convened at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, agreed that inclusive and sustainable development depends on women and girls fully realizing their human rights, particularly their reproductive rights,” She stated.
The UNFPA Executive Director added that,”Since then, significant strides have been made towards the achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. Today, we celebrate the fact that many more countries have passed laws and invested in safeguarding bodily autonomy and enable women and girls to enjoy opportunities to thrive.”
She added that,”More measures are in place than ever befo prevent and respond to gender-based violence, one of the most pe violations of human rights.”
Natalia Kanem added that, “Yet, there is still much work to do. Today, millions of women and their diversities continue to be denied their fundamental human rights. 56 per cent of women are able to make their own decisions over their sexual and reproductive health and rights.”
“One in three women and girls globally experience gender-based violence during her lifetime. In some places, misogyny and discrimination have worsened, leading to roll legislation, policies and financing,” She lamented.
She stressed that, “In humanitarian settings, UNFPA is the global leader on sexual and reproductive health and the largest provider of gender-based violence services. We do this because human rights do not end when disaster strikes. They do not stop at a border.”
According to her,”The needs of women and girls do not cease when they seek safety. Rights are for everyone, everywhere, and realizing them is possible. Countries across the globe have made commitments under international treaties and instruments to uphold human rights. Now, it’s time to take action.”
Natalia Kanem disclosed that,”Each day, around the world, UNFPA works hand-in-hand with government, civil societies, academics, and private sector partners to accelerate progress towards the universal realization of human rights.”
She added that, “UNFPA’s new online interactive tool, for example, helps countries assess their sexual and reproductive health policies and programmes through a human rights lens providing insights into how to strengthen them. Such tools are critical in our efforts to end human rights violations and impunity and address their root causes.”
The theme of this International Human Rights Day – “Our rights, our future, right now” – highlights the relevance of human rights in our everyday lives and as the pathway to a better future.
According to her, “Today and every day, let us stand up for human rights. On this final day in the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, let us stand with those most vulnerable to harm.”
“Let us protect the dignity, safety and wellbeing of every woman and girl in all their diversities. This is the most effective way to build more just and equal societies for everyone,” She stated.