UN Report Highlights Alarming Rates of Femicide Worldwide
A recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women reveals a staggering statistic: every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by a partner or family member. Released on November 25, 2023, the report coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, emphasizing the urgent need for action against this pervasive issue.
In 2023, approximately 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed globally, with 60% of these murders—around 51,000—attributed to intimate partners or family members. This marks an increase from 48,800 in 2022, highlighting a troubling trend in violence against women. The report categorizes this violence as preventable, calling for stronger laws, improved data collection, and greater accountability from governments.
Regional Disparities in Femicides
The report indicates that Africa has the highest rates of femicide, with 21,700 women killed by intimate partners or family members in 2023, translating to 2.9 victims per 100,000 inhabitants. In comparison, the Americas reported 1.6 victims per 100,000, Asia 0.8, and Europe 0.6. The data underscores the need for robust criminal justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable while providing adequate support for survivors.
In regions like Europe and America, the majority of femicides are committed by intimate partners, accounting for 64% and 58% of cases, respectively. In contrast, family members are more frequently the perpetrators in other parts of the world, necessitating a comprehensive approach to domestic violence prevention that addresses both intimate relationships and broader family dynamics.
Call to Action
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, and Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC, stress that while some countries have made progress in measuring femicide rates, significant gaps in data availability remain. They urge world leaders to renew their commitments to women's rights and gender equality, especially as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
In response to the ongoing crisis of femicide, UN Women and UNODC are launching a global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, advocating for concrete actions to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. The campaign aims to dismantle gender biases and harmful societal norms that perpetuate violence against women, calling for immediate action to protect women's lives.
