After spending 10 days in the country, Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem stated that a man kills a woman every three days in the UK, and one out of four women will encounter domestic violence at some point in their lifetime.

In a statement summarizing her initial findings and observations, she stated that the deeply ingrained male-dominated system in society, along with an increase in hatred towards women that is evident both in the real world and online, is depriving numerous women and girls in the UK of their fundamental right to live without fear or violence.

Leadership and inspiration 

Ms. Alsalem recognized the strong legal structure in place to support gender equality, such as the Equality Act 2010 and other laws that apply throughout the UK. She also mentioned that this structure is enhanced by significant legislation and policies in the devolved regions, specifically Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

She stated that the United Kingdom has taken a leading role in enhancing its legal structure to combat both existing and emerging forms of violence against women and girls. This includes addressing coercive control, digital violence, stalking, and improving the availability of justice.

She stated that numerous nations will seek guidance from the UK for inspiration and as a model of innovation and successful approaches in creating a safer environment for women and girls, as well as holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Implement the policy

The Special Rapporteur acknowledged that various factors hinder the UK’s capacity to fully achieve the benefits of its laws and strategies regarding violence against women.

Some factors affecting the connection between these policies and the UK’s obligations to uphold human rights include: weakening ties, widespread criticism and stance towards human rights, specifically concerning migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, and the division of policies addressing male violence against women and girls between devolved and non-devolved areas.

She stated that the UK has the potential to take further steps towards addressing the problem of violence against women and girls by implementing specific actions. These actions include consolidating all efforts and initiatives related to this issue, establishing a more official and accountable approach to combating discrimination and violence against women and girls within the government, and grounding these actions in human rights principles.

Grassroots groups struggling 

Ms. Alsalem shared her worries regarding the challenges faced by local organizations and frontline service providers who cater to the needs of marginalized women and girls. These individuals, whether foreign or domestic, often slip through the cracks and are not supported by official service providers.

She stated that these organizations are facing difficulties in staying afloat due to the current circumstances of soaring expenses, a worsening housing shortage, and insufficient financial support.

“The current state of NGOs addressing issues of gender equality and violence against women and girls is dire and unsustainable,” she stated, calling on UK officials to provide reliable and sufficient funding to organizations on the frontlines.

Ms. Alsalem was chosen by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to serve as the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

Non-UN employees who are appointed by the Council do not receive payment for their duties.

Source: news.un.org