New York - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for zero tolerance for gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life. According to the United Nations news bulletin, a copy of which we received on Saturday morning.
Türk's statements came in his speech on Friday at the opening of the annual discussion session on women's rights and gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life, which is one of the discussion sessions within the activities of the fifty-third regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
"I call on all states and this Council to pledge concrete and transformative action to address gender-based violence against women and girls in public and political life, and to enhance their participation and leadership," Türk said, noting that "we must be better and more innovative in doing this."
The High Commissioner warned that many women and girls working in the field of human rights defense, journalists and women who compete for public office and positions in political decision-making positions are brutally attacked and often suffer from gender-based violence.
Türk explained that the purpose of these attacks is clear, which is "to exercise permanent control and subjugation, and to crush the political activity of women and girls and their aspirations."
The UN official described these practices as abhorrent, fueled by widespread structural discrimination and harmful stereotypes based on gender, and striking in social and cultural norms, behaviors and attitudes.

Focus on prevention
Türk stressed that deep-rooted structural discrimination needed profound systemic change, saying, "We must strengthen national legal frameworks to ensure gender equality and to protect women from violence both online and offline. A focus on prevention is key."
"We must adopt zero-tolerance codes of conduct for gender-based violence, and establish an effective reporting mechanism for those who experience violence," added the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Türk indicated that among the measures that must be adopted are providing quotas for women's representation in public and political life and launching awareness campaigns to enhance their participation and build their capacities so that they become eligible for the possibility of being elected.
"We must challenge outdated notions that limit domestic and care work to women and girls only," Türk said. "Economic incentives, social protection measures and campaigns promoting gender equality can be an impetus for efforts to promote greater equality in sharing these responsibilities."
The UN official explained that obtaining a good education is a prerequisite for the participation of women in public affairs, and this means education systems and curricula that portray women as role models and highlight their achievements.
Türk concluded by emphasizing that through the active, safe and meaningful participation of women and girls in public life - including assuming leadership positions in the private sector - "we can unlock a wealth of creativity and wisdom conducive to more comprehensive and effective solutions to the challenges we all face today."