Statement of AUSTRIA at UNGA73

“Concerning the greatest tragedy in our time, I speak of Yemen, Austria is ready to increase its humanitarian commitment.”

“Multilateralism has failed several million women worldwide. So have individual States. However, gender equality is about more than legal provisions. It is about a daily practice in our countries and societies. This is why the fight against discrimination and improving the situation of women and girls worldwide has been a longstanding concern of the Austrian foreign and development policy. Our focus lies on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, the political and economic empowerment of women, as well as the fight against gender based violence - with a particular focus on combating female genital mutilation.” 

“More than 200 million women and girls worldwide are victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). Together we must stand up against this humiliation, this breach of human rights and the appalling violation of women’s physical integrity. In 2018, the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has earmarked more than 1 Million Euro to help victims of FGM through surgical restoration. Here in New York, I had very constructive talks with the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF for the purpose of joining forces against the violation of basic rights and physical integrity of girls and women.”