March 2013 – As Kenya prepares to go to the polls on Monday, a senior United Nations official has called on authorities to ensure the protection of civilians, especially women and girls, recalling that thousands of cases of rape and other forms of sexual assault were documented during the violence that followed the 2007 elections. “I urge the authorities in Kenya to ensure that civilians of all ethnic and political backgrounds can exercise their right to vote in safety and security, and to … [Read more...]
Statement of Michelle Bachelet Under-Secretary- General and UN Women Executive Director 2012
January 25, 2012 by
Michelle Bachelet Statement at 2012 First Regular Session of UN Women Executive Board Statement of Michelle Bachelet Under-Secretary- General and UN Women Executive Director at First Regular Session of UN Women Executive Board 24 January 2012. President, Distinguished Delegates, Allow me to first wish all of you a Happy New Year. It will not surprise you to hear me say that my special hopes are for the women of this world! I hope that this year, no matter how … [Read more...]
“Son preference” Perpetuates Discrimination/Violations of Women’s Rights
June 16, 2011 by
14 June 2011 Five United Nations agencies have banded together to call for urgently addressing gender-biased sex selection favouring boys, a common practice in many parts of South, East and Central Asia that they say fuels a culture of discrimination and violence. "Sex selection in favour of boys is a symptom of pervasive social, cultural, political and economic injustices against women, and a manifest violation of women's human rights," says a statement issued by the agencies, which have … [Read more...]
The International Day Against Homophobia – May 17, 2011
May 14, 2011 by
International Day Against Homophobia May 17 marks the 8th International Day Against Homophobia . As a gay man, this day allows me to reflect on the effect of homophobia and the way it intersects with HIV/AIDS. I want to remember that the impact of homophobia can lead to HIV risk-taking behaviors. Homophobia may keep people from getting information about HIV, and it may keep them from getting tested, or seeking the treatment and support services they need. I want to remember David … [Read more...]
