Statement by UNRC Antje Grawe on the occasion of the Launch Event of the 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence.

Ms. Dinara Ashimova, Member of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic,

Mr. Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic,

Ms. Marilyn Josefson, Ambassador, Head of EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic,

Colleagues, Friends and Ladies and Gentlemen,

Violence against women is a dreadful violation of human rights, a public health crisis, and a major obstacle to sustainable development.

Unfortunately, it is persistent, widespread – and worsening.

The latest brutal case against Asel Nogoibaeva from September 2023, along with the horrific killings of Burulai, Aizada, and Altynai, and many other women and girls whose lives were stolen and their dreams cut off, demonstrate the systematic issues in preventing protecting and assisting survivors of domestic violence. Over the past ten years, 762 murders of women have been recorded in Kyrgyzstan.

The overwhelming number of these murders was committed by men, and 75 per cent of these femicides were committed by a person who knew the murdered woman - an intimate partner, relative or friend.

Overall, domestic violence is prevalent in the Kyrgyz Republic, with 1 in 4 women experiencing it. In 2022, there were 9,880 registered cases, and only 14% of reported cases reached the court. Economic dependence and social pressure often force survivors to return to their abusers.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This most spread human rights violation against women must and can stop now. That is why the campaign which the Kyrgyz Republic is joining for the 14th year this year is a highly welcome initiative. This even more so in 2023 when we also commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I would like to acknowledge the launching of the Campaign today by the Cabinet of Ministers. The urgency to take measures to stop violence against women made by the Speaker of Jogorku Kenesh Mr.Nurlanbek Shakiev, and the earlier dedicated call by Mr.Kamchybek Tashiev in his capacity as Chairperson of the State Committee for National Security, speak to the urgency to take action.

Today, we mark a pivotal moment as we come together to join the launching of the yearly 16-Days Campaign Against Violence Against Women and Girls. This event, co-hosted by the Government and Parliament, is testimony to the collective commitment to combat this pervasive problem.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global initiative to draw attention to the widespread human rights violations faced by women and girls around the world. Under the leadership of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UNiTE initiative serves as a critical platform to raise awareness and share knowledge on how to end this violence.

This year’s theme of the UNiTE campaign – “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls” – calls on all of us to take action.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It underlines the urgency of funding strategies to prevent violence against women. Investing in the prevention of violence against women and girls is not only a moral imperative, but also fundamental to societal safety, security and progress. Yet global and national funding in this area remains inadequate and sporadic.

We call for a holistic approach that integrates prevention strategies into broader policies such promotion of safer working environments. In this respect, I would like to acknowledge the latest decision by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on the approval of the conclusion to Convention No. 190 of the International Labor Organization, which aims to ensure safety and equality in the workplace, prevent violence and harassment, and create conditions for fairer and safer labor relations.

I trust that Kyrgyz Republic will become the first country among Central Asia countries and among one of the first 30 countries in the world which made this critical step towards creating a fair, safe labor environment and ensuring equal rights at work for all citizens. I sincerely hope that the Jogorku Kenesh will positively move towards the ratification procedures.

Similarly, as the rating of Kyrgyzstan on women’s participation in the decision making stands at 107th place out of 146 countries as per World Economic Forum report from 2023, we highly welcome the proactive stand and the initiative of the President to adopt the first ever State Program on Women’s Leadership before the end of the year.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The 16-Day Campaign is not just a moment, but a movement that goes beyond a single event. Let us unite, invest in prevention and commit to a future where women and girls live free from violence.

In Kyrgyzstan, our joint call is clear and firm:

• We call for an inclusive approach, with support from all sectors - public authorities, financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.

• We remind decision makers to allocate budgetary resources in line with the national and international commitments of the state to prevent violence against women, as the needs are hugely unmet.

• We advocate for workplace policies that ensure women's economic security and protection. We are enjoying an increasing partnership with the private sector, in addition to the partnerships between the State and civil society, and

• We urge everyone to become allies in the prevention of violence against women through awareness raising and public advocacy. Each and every Kyrgyzstani’s action hugely matters to stop violence in the country at all levels, and in all sectors.

I'm delighted that the campaign boasts a diverse coalition representing different sectors. From Government and Parliamentarians to the private sector, international organizations and donors, artists, athletes, technology innovators, media and civil society, entertainment industry, and many other actors brings unique expertise and influence on this critical cause.

The UN system in Kyrgyzstan will continue to work with all of you to build a country that rejects violence against women and girls in any form.

Thank you.