International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Foreword

In the discussion of the advancement of women, the Holy See would like to reiterate its support for the key elements of the Beijing Platform for Action: the recognition of human dignity, the dignity of women, the importance of strategies for development, including access to employment and equal payment, land and capital, the provision of basic social services and ending violence against women. These are all part of the long standing and well known social teaching of the Holy See.

Intervention by
The Holy See Delegation
at the Third Committee of the 57th General Assembly
of the United Nations on Women
10 October 2002

Violence against women remains a major problem in the Asian region and around the world. All too often the Urgent Appeals that the Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples issues through its Hotline Asia project reflect the prevalence of violence against women, and its general acceptance by so many communities and individuals. The United Nations has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. To encourage the celebration of this day and the promotion of the human rights of women, the Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples has prepared this Action Resource.

The Action Resource: provides information about the International Day itself; identifies the forms of violence against women; gives examples of violence against women in Asia; provides information about the relevant international human rights instruments; sets out the stance of Catholic Social Teaching; includes information about some regional and international efforts to address violence against women, and sources for further information. The Action Resource offers a range of suggestions for action, but is intended to help local groups to design their own programs of action suited to their contexts.

We hope that this material helps you to take action on this important issue. Feel free to copy the material, adapt it or circulate it with acknowledgement. Please let us know if you find the material useful or not and if you were able to use it, please let us know how you used it. All of your feedback, whether critical or congratulatory, will help us to serve your needs more effectively.

Outline

Why the Day was Designated by the United Nations

Forms of Violence Against Women

Examples of Violence Against Women in Asia

International Human Rights Instruments & Violence Against Women

Catholic Social Teaching & Violence Against Women

Some Regional & International Actions to Address Violence Against Women

Contacts & Further Information