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Violence against women undermines development and peace: UN Secretary-General
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon continues to speak out against violence against women and girls which he calls "a horrific and all too common" crime.
violence against women
Mr. Ban observed that too many women worldwide live in fear of violence.
"Whether it is domestic violence, sex trafficking, so-called "honour" crimes or female genital cutting, violence against women and girls continues to be a horrific and all too common crime. It is devastating to individuals and societies alike. It causes personal suffering, undermines development, generates instability, and makes peace in society much harder to achieve."
The Secretary-General was speaking during a panel discussion in New York on Thursday. The event was organized as part of the latest session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which concludes this week.
Mr. Ban stated that he is strongly committed to this struggle. He called on all people to unite to demand accountability for violations against women and girls, adding that concrete steps must be taken to end impunity.
Mr. Ban's remarks came shortly after the signing in ceremony for the new UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict, Margot Wallström.
Ms. Wallström, who is from Sweden, was formerly vice-president of the European Commission.
Dianne Penn, UN Radio.
(duration: 1'31")
