To be delivered by representative from Australian Delegation

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report.

Rape is a form of gender-based violence that has a profound and devastating impact on individuals, communities and societies.

Whether in the home or in the community, all forms of violence against women and girls constitute grave human rights violations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an unacceptable global increase in gender-based violence.

States need to address this. We thank the Special Rapporteur for practical recommendations to do so, including the criminalisation of rape and the repeal of laws that discriminate against women.

Through the 2021 Women’s Budget Statement, Australia invested $1.1 billion in women’s safety to prevent and respond to violence against women and children, including funding to support frontline service delivery. This brings our investment in women’s safety to over $2 billion since 2013.

We also prioritise ending violence against women and girls through our overseas development program, because no country is immune to rape and sexual violence.

Australia encourages all states to accelerate work to eliminate violence against women and girls in all its forms.