HRC62 - EU Statement - Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women Panel 1: Domestic violence against women and girls
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
62nd session
Annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women
Panel 1: Domestic violence against women and girls
24 June 2026
EU statement
Mr. President,
The European Union remains deeply concerned by the persistence of domestic and intimate partner violence against women and girls, which include some of the most widespread forms of gender-based violence and a serious violation of human rights.
The EU supports women’s and youth’ equal, full, effective and meaningful participation, in all their diversity and in all spheres of public and political life. Violence against women and girls is rooted in structural inequalities, unequal power relations and discriminatory social norms. Women and girls exposed to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination are disproportionately affected by domestic and intimate partner violence and often face greater obstacles in seeking redress.
Through our internal and external policies, the EU is working to prevent violence, protect survivors and strengthen accountability. Within the EU, a landmark directive (2024/1385) adopted in 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, establishes a common framework to strengthen prevention, protection of victims and survivors, access to justice and coordinated responses across Member States. Moreover, the EUs accession to the Istanbul Convention in 2023 further solidified the commitment of the EU to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence.
Beyond our borders, the European Commission’s Gender Action Plan III places ending sexual and gender-based violence at the heart of the EU's external action. The EU also partners with the UN through the Spotlight Initiative in the world's largest targeted effort to eliminate violence against women and girls. Since its launch, the Spotlight Initiative has supported comprehensive approaches to strengthen legislation, institutions, services and prevention efforts.
Mr. President, how can States most effectively translate international standards, as outlined in CEDAW and General Comment No. 35, into coordinated, adequately resourced and survivor-centred responses?
Thank you.