The international campaign '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence' is organised each year as part of the UN Secretary General's global UNiTE campaign, convening individuals and organisations worldwide to end violence against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), also encompassing other important dates.

Landmark buildings all around the world, including the EU headquarters in Brussels and Strasburg was lit up in orange, symbolising a brighter future for women without violence.

EU Ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific, HE Andrew Jacobs said: '' Violence against women is a violation of human rights.  It should be assured for girls and boys to receive upbringing and education which don’t foster prejudice or stereotypes about each gender.  It is the conviction of the European Union that violence against women is not acceptable.

Earlier this year, the European Commission adopted two proposals on the signing and conclusion of the Council of Europe Convention (the Istanbul Convention) on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.  The Istanbul Convention has a holistic and comprehensive approach which includes the use of legislation, awareness raising and funding to make a difference for victims in practice.  It will also provide a more coherent and coordinated approach among EU MS.

Joint Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Johannes Hahn, Commissioner  for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Neven Mimica, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management,  Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport,  and Julian King, Commissioner for Security Union .

Message by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

#OrangeTheWorld #EU4HumanRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen