We Cannot Rest until Women, Girls Are Safe, Empowered in Every Community, Secretary-General Tells United Nations Trust Fund Event

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the gala event to celebrate the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, in New York today:

Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN-Women, Ms. Nicole Kidman, UN Goodwill Ambassador, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to send greetings to tonight’s gala dinner.

For two decades, the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women has supported global efforts to protect the human rights of women and girls.

To date, this encompasses more than 420 projects in 136 countries and territories.

Thanks to the Trust Fund, girls in Viet Nam have a safer learning environment.  Violence survivors in Peru have access to justice.  And survivors with disabilities in Tanzania have better services.

This is just a snapshot of a diverse and important portfolio.

I applaud the Fund’s donors for their generosity.  But the true value of their gift is beyond measure.  Life and liberty are priceless.

On this anniversary, I call on everyone concerned to intensify efforts to address the serious challenges that remain.

These include discriminatory attitudes and social norms that fuel violence, and a culture of impunity that encourages perpetrators.  We cannot rest until women and girls are safe and empowered in every country and every community.

Please accept my very best wishes for your continued success.

Thank you.