Declaration on the elimination of violence against women

Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Created	1993
Author(s)	United Nations General Assembly
Purpose	To outline a clear set of guidelines to combat violence against women globally

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 1993. It is a milestone document that addresses the issues of violence against women and girls, one of the most pervasive forms of human rights violations worldwide. This declaration aims to set forth ways to combat this violence and to ensure necessary protection and support for victims.

Background

Violence against women has been recognized as a critical area of concern by the international community, particularly highlighted during the United Nations Decade for Women (1976-1985). The declaration was influenced by the growing international discourse on women's rights as fundamental human rights and the need for a specific resolution that addressed gender-based violence.

Content

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women outlines specific measures aimed at preventing violence, protecting victims, and punishing perpetrators. Key provisions include:

• Definition of violence against women as any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual, or psychological harm.
• Emphasis on the responsibility of states to condemn violence against women and to not invoke any custom, tradition, or religious consideration to avoid their obligations with respect to its elimination.
• Calls for the creation of legal, social, and educational measures to protect women from all forms of violence.

Impact and Implementation

The declaration has been instrumental in spurring national and international legal reforms and has influenced the creation of various protocols and conventions, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). It has also led to the establishment of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women observed annually on November 25.

Challenges

Despite its influence, the implementation of the Declaration's provisions has been uneven across countries. Challenges include inadequate legal frameworks, lack of enforcement, cultural barriers, and insufficient funding for initiatives aimed at combating violence against women.

See also

• Violence against women
• United Nations General Assembly
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
• International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women