Anthony Bonville
Advisor for Economic and Social Affairs
New York, New York
October 18, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Special Rapporteur Khan, thank you. All women and girls must be able to exercise their right to freedom of expression online and offline free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Their contributions to public discourse are critical for effectively promoting equality, justice, and respect for human rights worldwide. Too often, their leadership and advocacy come at the cost of targeted violence, harassment, and abuse online and offline.
The United States is committed to championing the voices of women and girls, in all their diversity, as key to fostering more peaceful and resilient societies. We recognize and promote women’s essential role in the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict; stabilization efforts; peacekeeping; and post-conflict relief and recovery.
We condemn efforts by state and non-state actors to stifle women’s and girls’ voices, including through gendered online harassment and abuse.
We must bolster efforts to empower and enable all women and girls to express themselves freely and safely.
Special Rapporteur Khan, how can we elevate the voices of women and girls in the UN and other multilateral fora?
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