Canada
Almost always, the suffering is felt by the most vulnerable among us. And, fa...
“Almost always, the suffering is felt by the most vulnerable among us. And, far too often, this involves women and violence. In the context of war, rape and serious sexual violence are war crimes. I have met girls who were victims of this very war crime, and their stories are horrific. The war criminals involved must be identified, pursued, prosecuted and punished."
Earlier this year, Canada and other G-8 nations agreed to treat sexual violen...
“Earlier this year, Canada and other G-8 nations agreed to treat sexual violence in conflict as a violation of the Geneva Conventions. I applaud the United Kingdom and U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague for their work in this area. But he would be the first to acknowledge that the fight to eradicate this crime has been led by women, including Special Representative [of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict] Zainab Hawa Bangura."
Every year, millions of girls, some as young as age nine, are forced into mar...
“Every year, millions of girls, some as young as age nine, are forced into marriage. Since I began these remarks, 100 children have been forced into marriage; 1,100 per hour; more than 26,000 per day. The effects of early forced marriage are documented and beyond dispute. Early forced marriage harms health, halts education, destroys opportunity and enslaves young women in a life of poverty. A young woman once recounted her wedding date. She remembered, "It was the day I left school." No country is immune from this scourge. This is a global problem. A problem for humanity."
Forced marriage is rape; it is violence against women. Early forced marriage ...
“Forced marriage is rape; it is violence against women. Early forced marriage is child rape, violence against young girls. The practice is abhorrent and indefensible. We condemn it. Even though some might prefer that we kept quiet. The discomfort of the audience is of small concern, particularly in the context of a crime that calls to heaven for justice. If this body does not act to protect young girls, who will?”
While these efforts...to eradicate sexual violence in conflict, to eliminate ...
“While these efforts...to eradicate sexual violence in conflict, to eliminate early forced marriage and to improve maternal and newborn health...are essential, we must do more than react to crises. We must invest in opportunities for women and girls. We must ensure that women participate fully in all parts of our society and in all the countries of these United Nations. This will help us build a stronger, more secure, more prosperous and more peaceful world. It is in every nation's self-interest to ensure every young girl realizes her full potential.”