‘No Exceptions, No Excuses, No Delay’ in Ending Violence against Women, Says

 

Secretary-General in Video Message on Launch of Latin America Campaign

 

(Delayed in transmission.)

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message on the launch of the Unite Campaign in Latin America, in Santiago, Chile, on 25 November, as recorded on 13 November:

I am pleased to join you as you Unite to End Violence against Women.

This is the first regional launch of our global campaign.

I salute Latin America and the Caribbean for leading the way.  I thank the Heads of State, the international community, and all of you for your leadership and partnership.

Since our global campaign began, we have seen increased momentum to end violence against women.

Parliaments, Governments, civil society organizations, faith-based networks, the private sector, and many others have come together to make a difference.

Laws are being passed.  Action plans are moving forward.  Better data are being collected.  Communities are mobilizing.

We are also widening the circle of engagement.  I recently started a global Network of Men Leaders to tackle violence against women.

Some countries in Latin America have created similar networks.

Your region has also adopted a binding Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women, the “ConventionBelém do Pará”.

We must build on this work.

In every country, women and girls remain plagued by violence, causing tremendous suffering.  It undermines development.  It generates instability.  It makes peace that much harder to achieve.

Let us counter this violation of women’s fundamental human rights.

Let us pledge to reach our common destination:  an end to all violence against women and girls.

No exceptions.  No excuses.  No delay.

Thank you for uniting to realize that goal.

Together, let us pledge:  No mas violencia contra la mujer.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment.  Muchas gracias.

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For information media • not an official record