Brussels, 25 November 2023 (TDI): The UNiTE campaign has designated the 25th of every month as “Orange Day,” to spotlight and combat violence against women and girls. The choice of orange as its emblematic color reflects a hopeful vision, a future free from violence against women and girls.
The EU Commission and High Representative/Vice President reinforce their commitment to protect women and girls from violence.
This monthly occasion urges activists, governments, and UN affiliates to unite, spotlight pertinent issues, and spur action against the persisting violence faced by women and girls.
It’s not just a one-time affair on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, but a consistent call for attention and action every month.
Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice President issued the following statement:
Globally, the rights of women and girls have faced threats, reductions, or complete elimination, significantly impeding progress achieved over decades. The European Union continues to stand up against all forms of violence against women and girls.
We maintain our unwavering support for women and girls who have suffered from violence as victims and survivors and we condemn the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war.
Violence against women and girls is a global problem, with 1 in 3 experiencing physical or sexual violence. This includes abuse, harassment, rape, genital mutilation, forced marriage, and femicide.
The consequences are emotional and physical scars, emphasizing the need to protect their basic human rights.
Urgent action is needed to hold perpetrators accountable and create a safer environment, ending this issue and ensuring a society that respects and protects everyone’s rights.
Albeit, the organization supports the UN’s campaign to end violence against women. The organization co-leads the Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence. The organization is dedicated to ending violence against women and girls worldwide.
Moreover, the organization stands with partners, civil society, and women’s rights groups. The organization advocates for justice and accountability in addressing violence against women.
The EU has joined the Istanbul Convention to make Europe safer for women and girls by preventing gender-based violence. This is a significant step towards setting high standards for the EU. Member States must implement measures like training professionals, raising awareness, and imposing strict penalties for offenders.”
Background
The European Commission aims to prevent and combat gender-based violence. The Commission has proposed a directive to criminalize violence against women and assist victims. The proposal is currently under negotiation.
Moreover, the Commission has joined the Istanbul Convention, recognizing violence against women as a rights violation. The Commission has created an EU network to prevent gender-based and domestic violence.
Furthermore, the commission aims to combat harmful practices against women and girls and prevent child sexual abuse. They propose a recommendation in 2024 and a regulation to establish a new EU agency.
They are also working on strengthening the rights of all criminal victims through an amendment to the 2012 Victims’ Rights Directive, currently under review by the Council.
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The EU promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment through initiatives and funding, including co-leading the Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence and investing €500 million in the Spotlight Initiative.
In 2022, they committed €282 million to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The EU also adopted measures to target sexual and gender-based violence crimes under the Global Human Rights Sanctions regime.
They prioritize addressing gender-based violence in humanitarian action, allocating over €41 million in 2022. The EU has been a member of the ‘Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies’ since 2013.
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