Speech of the UN RC, Ms Antje Grawe, in the Kyrgyz Republic at the Council Meeting on Women's Rights, and Gender Equality under the Toraga of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic

Deputy Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh and Jamilya Isaeva,
Honorable Members of Parliament,

Distinguished Excellencies, 

Partners and Civil Society Representatives, 

Indeed, the UN family is a good friend of the Jogorku Kenesh in Kyrgyzstan. I would therefore like to express a huge gratitude to speak here today on behalf of the UN System in Kyrgyzstan and I would like to convey my gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for convening this council meeting on the global 16 Days of Activism Campaign. 

As we have heard earlier, this year, the global campaign draws attention to the approaching 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as to the most harrowing manifestations of gender-based violence—femicide, the killing of women and girls because of their gender. This is why the 25th November has been declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. 

Globally, every 10 minutes, a woman loses her life to gender-based violence. Unfortunately neither in Kyrgyzstan, the statistics are pointing in the right way: since 2010, more than 1.100 women have been killed, with men being the perpetrators in 80 percent of these cases, and the majority of victims knowing their killers as they came from their families or held other personal relations.

Although the true scale of gender-based violence remains hidden, these numbers are not just statistics; they are a terrible infliction of suffering, pain and loss on a woman, a girl, a family and the entire community; a tragic reflection of systemic violence; and often a reflection of systemic failure of society and the State. 

Violence against women and girls undermine the very fabric of our societies and jeopardizes our shared goals for sustainable development. 

The eradication of gender-based violence is not just a moral imperative—it is a prerequisite for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls as outlined in the Agenda 2030. This is why this commitment has been once again reaffirmed prominently by world leaders, including President Japarov, in the Pact for the Future, adopted in September 2024 at the Summit of the Future in New York.

Distinguished Members of the Gender Council, 

Your leadership is crucial in addressing this pressing crisis. In the past you have been doing already a lot in this regard and as UN System, we proudly partner with you in that endeavor. As the nation’s lawmakers, you have a unique and powerful role to play in not only passing legislation but also ensuring its implementation and holding state systems accountable. Through robust legislative frameworks, adequate resourcing, and strong oversight, you have the power to enact lasting change. 

It has been said many times: Addressing GBV requires a holistic and a whole-of-society approach, with awareness-raising being the foundation of that effort. This is why an impactful change requires the voices of all stakeholders, including women and men, girls and boys, persons with disabilities, migrants, and other vulnerable groups. As parliamentarians, you play a critical role in amplifying these voices and ensuring that policies leave no one behind. Open consultations and public hearings can enable civil society, academia, and the private sector to contribute meaningfully to this shared vision.

Further to the whole-of-society approach, Parliament also holds a pivotal role in advancing the three core priorities of this year’s 16 Days Campaign:

First, your role in strengthening accountability is paramount. Ensuring that perpetrators of violence are held accountable through strengthened justice systems sends a clear message: impunity will not be tolerated. This message coming from you makes it even more powerful. This commitment must be reflected in comprehensive national strategies and action plans that integrate gender-based violence prevention into broader social and economic policies.

Second, the power of the purse lies in your hands, enabling you to secure sustainable funding for gender equality initiatives, survivor support mechanisms, and capacity-building efforts for service providers. Equally for preventive measures, a well-funded education system that fosters a culture of peace and dialogue is crucial.

Third and finally, in February 2024, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated its commitment by ratifying the International Labor Organization's Convention 190, addressing violence and harassment in the workplace. Recent amendments to the Law on Defense and Protection from Domestic Violence are another significant milestone. It will be important to ensure that all forms of domestic violence are criminalized. Furthermore, as legislators, you know better than anyone that laws must be living instruments – and they must be enforced to be effective, backed by the necessary resources and mechanisms.

Dear Members of the Council,

The United Nations system in Kyrgyzstan will stand firmly by your side in this endeavor. In the spirit of the United Nations Secretary-General's UNiTE initiative, which calls for raising awareness, advocacy and innovation to end gender-based violence once and for all, I would like to highlight some UN initiatives that embody this holistic whole-of-society approach, which by no means are comprehensive: 

The Spotlight Initiative, co-led by the UN and the EU, has strengthened legal frameworks and law enforcement institutions, improved services for survivors and increased awareness. The One-Stop Service Center, established with UNODC support, provides holistic care to victims. Through the UNDP’s Access to Justice program, judicial officials and law enforcement receive training to address gender-based violence effectively, while community awareness campaigns bring these issues to the forefront.

Additionally, UNFPA's gender-transformative programs work to prevent gender-based violence by engaging men and boys. UNICEF’s "Youth Rising: Kyrgyzstan’s Change Makers" project empowers young people to combat gender-based violence and strengthens their role in human rights advocacy. And, of course, UN Women plays an important role in so many ways in combating gender-based violence.

Distinguished Members, 

violence against women and girls is preventable. Almost 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action promised to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, it is beyond time to deliver. Next year’s 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform offers an opportunity to now reflect on the effectiveness of adopted measures and helps guide a further strengthening of a holistic approach to the elimination of GBV.  With your leadership, the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan can be at the forefront of this global mission.

As you know, the United Nations stands steadfast in support of your efforts. Together, let us honor this commitment—not just during these 16 Days of Activism, but every day—until we achieve a society where dignity, equality, and justice prevail for all.

Thank you very much.