While UN Women finally addressed the sexual violence perpetrated on October 7th in their December 1st statement, their response falls short of the urgent and decisive stance needed for such grave atrocities. The statement, which merely mentions being “alarmed by the numerous accounts of gender-based atrocities and sexual violence,” fails to fully acknowledge the severity and specificity of the systematic sexual violence that occurred during the attacks.
As advocates for women’s rights and safety worldwide, we expect UN Women, as the leading global organization for safeguarding women’s rights and combatting gender-based violence against women, to take a more definitive and proactive stance. The organization should specifically condemn these acts of sexual violence, demand immediate and thorough investigations, and ensure that these crimes are properly documented and prosecuted. We call upon UN Women to strengthen their position and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting all women, regardless of the political context, and to fighting against sexual violence in all its forms.
