Report of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls

27 June 2024

Canada, Australia and New Zealand Joint Statement

As Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

As for the Working Group, we are greatly concerned by the pushback on gender equality and the human rights of women and girls. This regression undermines inclusive democracy, social cohesion and economic prosperity.

Of particular concern is the perpetration of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Existing, new and emerging technologies are being used to perpetrate violence against women and girls – in new and varied ways.

This abuse of women and girls removes them from the public discourse and is endangering their full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership in political, economic and public life.

We urgently need to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence to account and accelerate action on gender equality.

We welcome the Working Group’s intention to increase collaboration with special procedure mandate holders to counter pushback against, and ensure progress on, gender equality.

Just as gender equality is central to the 2030 Agenda, it is integral to a Pact for the Future. Our commitment to leaving no-one behind includes every woman and girl.