Marking Caribbean Launch of Women’s Anti-Violence Campaign, Secretary-General

Says ‘There Can Be No Exceptions, No Excuses’ in Ending Gender-Based Violence

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the Caribbean launch of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, delivered by Gladys Acosta of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) (part of UN Women), in Barbados, today, 11 October:

It is a pleasure to convey my greetings to the Caribbean launch of the UNiTE campaign to end violence against women.  I thank the Prime Minister and Government of Barbados, and the British High Commission, for their support for today’s meeting.

I am glad that so many ministers, civil society representatives and artists from around the region are taking part in this launch.  This campaign must involve everyone, from schools and street markets to parliament and the courts of justice.  I also welcome your intent to discuss the underlying causes, costs and consequences of gender-based violence in the Caribbean region.  This violence, here and elsewhere, may have complex historical and cultural roots, which must be understood before they can be tackled.

When I launched the UNiTE campaign two years ago, I acted not only as a public figure but as a husband, father and grandfather.  I acted out of a belief that women and girls around the world deserve better.

Since then, regional initiatives have been launched in Latin America and Africa.  I have also established a Network of Men Leaders, which works to challenge destructive stereotypes, embrace equality, and inspire men and boys to speak out.

No country is immune from gender-based violence, which is abhorrent in its own right, and can prevent girls from getting an education and women from earning a living.  Sadly, it is clear that women in the Caribbean region suffer high levels of such violence.  According to recent statistics, one in every three women will experience violence in a personal relationship in her lifetime.  Prosecutions and convictions remain very low.

The UNiTE Campaign can build on the work that has already been done by the United Nations, national Governments and others to raise awareness, build partnerships and have a greater impact on prevention, protection, justice and services for the victims of gender-based violence.  Violence against women must not be tolerated, in any form, in any context, in any circumstance, by any political leader or by any Government.  There can be no exceptions, no excuses and no delay.  Thank you for uniting to realize that goal, and for your leadership and commitment.  I wish you great success in your campaigning.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record