United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced significant concerns regarding a global backlash against women’s rights. During his address at the 69th Commission on the Status of Women, Guterres underscored the need for immediate intervention to preserve and advance the progress made in gender equality. His speech highlighted disturbing global trends, including gender apartheid in Afghanistan and conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan and Haiti.
The Secretary-General’s message comes amid reports of declining support for women’s rights. Guterres emphasized that organizations championing women’s rights face increasing threats, from threats and violence to financial constraints. He called for more investment in gender equality and greater international collaboration to counteract these challenges.
Adding to Guterres’ concerns, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous reinforced the call for action, while also recognizing that 159 countries had reaffirmed their commitment to gender equality. Despite these reassurances, grassroots women’s organizations reportedly continue to operate in an environment marked by diminishing civil space and reduced funding.
The context of these discussions is a backdrop of reports indicating a rollback in women’s rights globally. A recent report by Equality Now highlights an alarming regression in fundamental women’s rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and democratic freedoms. Similarly, Human Rights Watch recently criticized amendments to Iraq’s personal status law for failing to protect women’s equal rights, as evidenced here.
Participants in the Commission on the Status of Women are advocating for decisive governmental actions to counter anti-progressive policies and bolster women’s fundamental freedoms. This session, which marks critical anniversaries of the Beijing Declaration and UN Resolution 1325, saw member states adopt a landmark political declaration promising to elevate the rights and empowering women and girls globally.
As the UN’s spotlight on women’s rights continues, the international legal community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of efforts aimed at achieving gender parity and protecting hard-fought achievements in women’s rights.