United Nations published this video item, entitled “Commission on the Status of Women, Myanmar & other topics – Daily Briefing (15 March 2021)” – below is their description.
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Commission on the Status of Women
– Violence against Women and Girls
– Myanmar
– Central African Republic/Elections
– Syria
– Libya
– Ethiopia
– Mozambique/Idai
– Bolivia
– South Sudan
– COVAX/Jordan
– Financial Contribution
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
This morning, the Secretary-General spoke in person at the opening of the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
He said that the fallout of the pandemic has shown how deeply gender inequality remains embedded in the world’s political, social and economic systems. The Secretary-General said that “now is the time to change course. Women’s equal participation is the game-changer we need.”
He called on all leaders to put in place five key building blocks:
First, to realize women’s equal rights fully; second, to ensure equal representation in the private and public sector through special measures and quotas; third, to advance women’s economic inclusion through equal pay and social protection; fourth to enact an emergency response plan in each country to address violence against women and girls; and finally, to give space to the intergenerational transition that is under way and to give greater support for young women advocating for a more just and equal world.
Tomorrow, he will take part in the Commission on the Status of Women Townhall.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
The Secretary-General today took part via video message in the High-Level side event of the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
In a video message, he told the Group that many countries have committed over the past year to step up efforts to prevent and respond to this issue, but much more needs to be done. The increase in violence is sometimes blamed on the pandemic, he said, but that ignores the responsibility of perpetrators and the importance of accountability.
He added that now is the moment to increase support for women’s organizations, and encouraged all members of the Group of Friends to play a full part in the Gender Equality Forum, which starts later this month in Mexico and later on moves to France. The Forum will provide new opportunities to chart a fresh and bold feminist agenda.
MYANMAR
In Myanmar, we saw a weekend filled with bloodshed. According to the UN Human Rights Office, to date, at least 138 peaceful protestors, including women and children, have been killed in the violence since 1 February. This includes 38 people who were killed yesterday, the majority in the Hlaing Thayer area of Yangon, while 18 people were killed on Saturday.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns this ongoing violence against peaceful protesters and the continuing violation of the most basic human rights of the people of Myanmar. The Secretary-General renews his call on the international community, including regional actors, to come together in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations.
You have seen that the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, issued a statement condemning the bloodshed as the military continues to defy international calls, including from the Security Council, for restraint, dialogue and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20March%202021
United Nations YouTube Channel
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