The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement and welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls.

For decades, the international community has worked tirelessly to establish clear standards that recognise gender-based violence as a clear violation of human rights. It is the collective responsibility of this Council to uphold these standards and ensure there is no regression. We cannot—and will not— take a step backward.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands remains fully committed to ending sexual and gender-based violence wherever it exists. To uproot this injustice, we must challenge harmful gender stereotypes, discriminatory norms, and structural inequalities that feed the cycle of violence. But true transformation requires more than this—it calls on all men and boys to step forward as allies and change-makers. Their voices and actions are not just welcome, they are essential pillars in building a future free from violence.

We urge the Special Rapporteur to amplify the voices and experiences of those in the most vulnerable and marginalised groups. Women and girls in all their diversity—including LGBTIQ+ individuals—must be recognised as having the right to live free from discrimination, intimidation, and violence.

Ms. Alsalem,
How can States strengthen their commitment to tackle the root causes of sexual and gender based violence and in what ways can they effectively address new emerging challenges such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence?