Middle East: Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

UNIFEM: “Say No to Violence Against Women” Campaign

One year ago, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) began its global campaign to advocate among publics and governments for an end to violence against women. In the course of the year, we have taken important steps to address this issue.

During its June 2008 Security Council Presidency, the United States focused on actions that would follow from UN Security Council Resolution 1325, on “Women, Peace, and Security.” On June 19, the United States chaired an open Security Council thematic discussion on the topic of violence in situations of armed conflict. The debate culminated in adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1820, which condemns the use of sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Violence against women remains a fact of life in countries worldwide. Like poverty, HIV/AIDS, poor maternal health, and lack of access to education, violence against women is an ill that affects the person, her community, and her nation.

As the campaign to “Say No to Violence against Women” enters its second year, we should dedicate ourselves to creating awareness among individuals and communities of the great damage violence against women inflicts, and commit ourselves to end this atrocity.