UN Human Rights Council 50: UK statement on the nexus between climate change and violence on women and girls

Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

Stopping violence against women and girls is one of the most urgent human rights challenges of our time. It is rooted in discrimination and inequality, and the issue is widespread: one third of all women worldwide will experience physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime.

The UK recognises that climate change can have implications for the full enjoyment of human rights and have a particularly devastating impact on women and girls, who are more likely to die or be displaced, or suffer from intimate partner violence during climate change-induced crises and disasters. Gender responsive climate action is essential to addressing these global challenges.

Putting women and girls at the forefront of policy-making processes and supporting organisations led by and focusing on women and girls is critical if we are to ensure response and recovery strategies respect, protect and promote women and girls’ human rights.

It is for this reason that, last July, the UK joined the Action Coalition on Feminist Action for Climate Justice, affirming our commitment to championing women and girls’ climate leadership, education and decision-making. At the COP26 Gender Day in November 2021, the UK announced £165 million of funding to simultaneously tackle gender inequality and climate change.

Mr Vice President,

We would like to ask the panellists to consider what measures can be implemented to ensure this critical combination of issues is addressed.