Madam President,

It is my pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries, including the Netherlands.

This year, Governments, youth and civil society gathered at the Generation Equality Forum convened by UN Women, France and Mexico to announce concrete commitments for achieving gender equality by 2030 and reaffirming that women's and girls' rights are universal.

More than twenty-five years after adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, steady progress has been made. Yet, we remain deeply concerned about the persistent violations and abuses of the rights of women and girls worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects women and girls, especially the most marginalized. We forcefully denounce the shadow-pandemic of sexual and gender-based violence, and the additional 13 million girls that could be forced into marriage. Disruptions in essential health services, including for sexual and reproductive health, are leading to more unplanned and adolescent pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal mortality and morbidity.

We are also concerned by the growing pushback on longstanding international instruments on gender equality, including on sexual and reproductive health and rights and bodily autonomy. We support these instruments as women and girls need these safeguards now more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to effectively put gender equality and the full respect for women's and girls' rights at the core of our national and collective efforts. To do so, we must ensure the meaningful participation of women and girls across decision-making processes.

We call upon all governments to implement their commitments made at the Generation Equality Forum towards the realization of SDG5. We also call on all governments to stand firm in their efforts, including here in this Council, to achieve gender equality, SRHR and the full enjoyment of all human rights for all women and girls.

Thank you.