A/HRC/26/38 selection.18 The Platform for Action defines three strategic objectives regarding violence against women: take integrated measures to prevent and eliminate violence against women (D.1); study the causes and consequences of violence against women and the effectiveness of preventive measures (D.2); and eliminate trafficking in women and assist victims of violence due to prostitution and trafficking (D.3), and outlines the actions to be taken for each, including adopting and/or implementing and periodically reviewing and analysing legislation to ensure its effectiveness in eliminating violence against women.19 36. It should be highlighted that the above-mentioned declarations and resolutions serve as consensus statements by Member States. They are of persuasive value in influencing international norms with regard to the elimination of violence against women and in providing normative standards for States to follow at the national level. E. Brief overview of the work of United Nations entities 37. According to article 5 of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, the United Nations entities should contribute to the recognition and realization of the rights and the principles set forth therein, including through fostering the coordination of international efforts and the provision of technical support. Various United Nations agencies and entities have been proactive in fulfilling these obligations since the adoption of the Declaration and have prioritized certain areas of activity. 38. United Nations agencies and entities have largely addressed violence against women in the following ways: activities promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment; data collection and research; technical assistance and capacity-building; coordination among United Nations, government and non-government entities; public-awareness campaigns; advocacy; direct programming; financial assistance; and standard setting. Most agencies and entities have focused on some or all of the following manifestations of violence against women: sexual violence; intimate partner violence; human trafficking; and female genital mutilation. Furthermore, each entity views violence against women through its own particular lens and addresses it accordingly, depending on its mission, including from the perspective of sexual and reproductive health; development; economic and legal empowerment; food and livelihood security; employment safety and security; education; addressing trafficked, refugee and migration population concerns; developing gendersensitive administration of justice systems; and supporting the implementation of United Nations resolutions. Some entities undertake specific human rights monitoring and investigation; advocacy and public reporting; promote the rule of law, in general, and accountability, in particular; or substantively address human rights violations. 39. Many United Nations entities carry out research, including data collection, on the prevalence and effects of violence against women, as well as on other related topics, including how gender norms, behaviours and inequality contribute to the issue. Often, such research is used to formulate policy, provide technical assistance and programmatic guidance. Developing national-level ability to promote equality and thus combat violence against women may include providing assistance in developing national strategies and policies and supporting capacity-building activities. 40. Inter-agency efforts to combat violence against women include activities by the Inter-agency Network on Women and Gender Equality, United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Inter-agency Task Force on Women, Peace and Security, 18 19 See Platform for Action (A/CONF.177/20, chap. I, resolution 1, annex II), paras. 114 and 115. Ibid., para. 124 (d). 11