Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message on the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls, observed today:
Violence against women and girls is a persistent and pervasive global scourge. It leaves physical and psychological scars, disrupts livelihoods and cuts educations short. Entire societies pay a price — through weaker economies and wider inequalities.
Ending this crisis lies at the heart of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. And it is essential for sustainable development and human rights.
That is why, in 1996, the General Assembly created the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls. Over the past 30 years, it has invested $250 million in more than 700 initiatives across 140 countries: Helping to keep services open; advance stronger laws; and ensure survivors have somewhere to turn.
But more resources are needed, and many challenges remain. Conflicts, climate change, and new technologies are putting women and girls at greater risk, along with relentless efforts to roll back their rights.
On this anniversary, I call on partners everywhere to renew their commitment to the UN Trust Fund and invest in women’s organizations delivering proven, locally led solutions. Together, we can build a world of safety and dignity for all women and girls.