RE: Bowing Jaap Sahib

[Guest guest]

Satnam all,

Please be informed that Thursday, March 8th is International Womens Day.

This day has been established by the United Nations to bring attention to eliminate

gender inequality, child labor, child marriage traffic in women and children.

 

The SatKirin Kaur of New York and Deva Kaur of Geneva have been representing the 3HO-NGO at the United Nations attending the UN Commision on the Status of Women, this week and last.

 

Please read the statement by the President of the Uited Nations General Assembly below:

Honorable Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa

Violence against women and girls is widespread in all societies. The

 

United Nations Charter affirms faith in fundamental human rights, in the

dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and

women. The right to live without fear of violence is a basic human right

for all people, including women and girls. The right to seek equal

justice, without discrimination, is a basic human right. We have a moral

and political duty to uphold these rights.

The comprehensive study on violence against women issued during the 61st

Session of the General Assembly includes strong recommendations that can

end the impunity of violence committed against women. We have made huge

advances in setting global standards to prevent, punish and eradicate

these heinous crimes. Our efforts have gone far to reverse what used to

be the traditional lack of response. But progress in ending violence and

impunity remains insufficient and inconsistent in all parts of the

world. States have binding obligations and can be held accountable. The

failure to comply with international standards or to exercise due

diligence is a violation of the human rights of women.

Sates cannot abdicate their international obligations to punish

perpetrators and prevent violence against, and the exploitation of,

women and girls. Neither can they hide behind cultural and religious

reservations to international treaties condemning this violence. We must

demonstrate by our actions that we intend to keep our promises.

 

We also need to recognize that ending violence against women and girls

is not only the responsibility of the State. It also requires a change

of mindset. It requires us to demonstrate, once and for all, that there

are no grounds for tolerance and no tolerable excuses. If we are going

to stop violence against women and girls – we must begin by speaking

out. We must ensure that women and girls enjoy their basic human rights

without discrimination. Criminal impunity must end. Every crime must be

prosecuted.

When the Charter was being signed, Eleanor Roosevelt said that universal

human rights begin in small places, close to home. Most violence against

women and girls happens at home - not only physical, but sexual and

psychological violence too. To change attitudes, to prevent and

prosecute violence against women and girls we need to begin in the home.

 

Yours Sincerely,

NGO Section, DPI

United Nations

www.un.org/dpi/ngosection