Statement of NETHERLANDS at UNGA73

Sexual and gender based violence:

“Sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment committed by people working for UN missions and organisations Is unacceptable. In every case and In every place. No exceptions. This kind of misconduct undermines the core principles of the UN and - as the Secretary-General has rightly pointed out - zero tolerance Is the only possible response. So we must put the new policies In place without hesitation, and act on them. We must make sure that victims feel heard and supported, and that whistle-blowers are protected. The UN Is meant to save and Improve lives, not destroy them. Here we must draw a clear line.”

General gender equality:

“We've learned that systematically reducing poverty demands more than money alone. That ending an armed conflict takes more than Blue Helmets alone. That gender equality and education are essential for peace and development. And that sustalnablllty, climate resilience and International stability go hand In hand. The Sustainable Development Goals are built on this concept of Integrated thinking and action.”