Brussels, 25 November 2024 (MIA) - All forms of violence against women are despicable, they are a violation of human rights and undermine the core values of the European Union, reads a joint statement by the European Commission and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - November 25. 

"Our commitment to end violence against women around the world is a key priority for the EU external action, not least in the EU's role as a major humanitarian donor. We reaffirm our steadfast dedication to the immediate eradication of violence against women and girls in collaboration with partner countries, civil society, women's rights groups, and human rights defenders,” the statement reads. 

The EC and Borrell stress that women across all corners of the world continue to endure unspeakable violence – physical, sexual, psychological and economic, both  offline and online.

"Women and girls also bear the brunt of both immediate violent and lasting effects of war and conflict, resulting disproportionality in economic hardship. The situation is especially dramatic in the context of humanitarian crises, where instances of conflict-related sexual violence and human trafficking often go unreported," adds the statement. 

It notes that following the EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention, which includes the most ambitious and comprehensive standards to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, this year the EU adopted the first ever law to effectively fight violence against women and domestic violence, which complements existing legislation in EU Member States.

"We now have additional tools to combat such violence, both offline and online, to ensure that women and girls can be safe and live without fear, to provide the targeted support services for victims, and accountability for perpetrators. We call on all Member States to put in place these robust measures swiftly," reads the joint statement by the EC and HR Borrell on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - November 25.  

Photo: MIA archive