A/RES/61/143
Recalling all its previous resolutions on the elimination of violence against
women and on the in-depth study on all forms of violence against women, and
Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) of 31 October 2000 on women and peace
and security,
Recalling also Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/41 of 19 April
2005 on the elimination of violence against women, 7
Recalling further the inclusion of gender-related crimes and crimes of sexual
violence in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, 8
Recognizing that violence against women is rooted in historically unequal
power relations between men and women and that all forms of violence against
women seriously violate and impair or nullify the enjoyment by women of all
human rights and fundamental freedoms and constitute a major impediment to the
ability of women to make use of their capabilities,
Recognizing also that women’s poverty and lack of empowerment, as well as
their marginalization resulting from their exclusion from social policies and from
the benefits of sustainable development, can place them at increased risk of
violence,
Recognizing further that violence against women impedes the social and
economic development of communities and States, as well as the achievement of the
internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development
Goals,
Recognizing the serious immediate and long-term implications for health,
including sexual and reproductive health, as well as an increased vulnerability to
HIV/AIDS, and the negative impact on psychological, social and economic
development that violence against women represents for individuals, families,
communities and States,
Deeply concerned about the pervasiveness of violence against women and girls
in all its forms and manifestations worldwide, and reiterating the need to intensify
efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls
throughout the world,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the in-depth study on all
forms of violence against women, 9 and having considered with interest the
recommendations contained therein,
1.
Recognizes that violence against women and girls persists in every
country in the world as a pervasive violation of the enjoyment of human rights and a
major impediment to achieving gender equality, development and peace;
Welcomes the efforts and important contributions at the local, national,
2.
regional and international levels to eliminate all forms of violence against women,
and takes note with appreciation of the work done by the Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Special Rapporteur on
violence against women, its causes and consequences;
_______________
7
See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2005, Supplement No. 3 and corrigendum
(E/2005/23 and Corr.1), chap. II, sect. A.
8
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2187, No. 38544.
9
A/61/122 and Add.1 and Add.1/Corr.1.
2