UNFPA Press release
25 November 2003

UNITED NATIONS, New York - Women and girls should be safe in their homes,
on the streets, in the workplace and in school, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA
Executive Director, said today on the occasion of the International Day
for the Elimination on Violence against Women. Yet, far too many live in
fear and countless others have paid with their lives, she stated.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, called for zero tolerance of
gender-based violence. "As long as it persists, we cannot claim to be
making steady progress towards equality, development and peace," said the
Executive Director. She encouraged people to ask themselves: "How many
more rapes, wife beatings, and killings in the name of honour must women
endure? How many more women must be disfigured with acid or doused in
petrol and set aflame? When will the impunity that is enjoyed by so many
offenders finally be brought to an end?"

The massive and systematic violations of women's human rights require a
massive and systematic response, said the Executive Director. She urged
all governments to renew their commitment, and urged all religious and
local leaders, and members of every family and community, to stand firmly
against gender-based violence.

Ms. Obaid recognized progress that has been made, as well as the valuable
work of activists worldwide to end these crimes, but stressed that much
remains to be done. "Police and military officers must be properly trained
to protect women's rights," she said. "Laws penalizing violence against
women and girls must be strengthened and vigorously implemented. And
services for survivors offering shelter, counselling, and medical care
must be urgently established."

Ending violence against women and girls is a priority for UNFPA. In
Timor-Leste, UNFPA delivers strong messages to communities through a drama
group. UNFPA is also training all police officers there to deal with
domestic violence cases. The Fund also works with representatives from the
Government, local communities, the church and women's groups.

On the occasion of the Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women,
25 November, UNFPA also launched the three-minute webfilm entitled,
"Women, War, Health". Translated into nine languages, this clip highlights
the urgent need to protect women's health in war and refugee settings.
From Kosovo to Congo, the use of rape as a weapon of war is alarmingly
widespread. UNFPA works with partners to help minimize and provide
treatment for cases of sexual violence, to provide life-saving medical
supplies and assistance to pregnant women, and to halt the spread of
HIV/AIDS. The webfilm can be viewed at www.unfpa.org/emergencies/psa/

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UNFPA is the world's largest multilateral source of population assistance.
Since it became operational in 1969, the Fund has provided substantial
assistance to developing countries, at their request, to meet reproductive
health needs and support development efforts.