At least 51,000 women and girls were intentionally killed around the world in 2023 – the majority by a partner or family member – two United Nations agencies have found, warning that the deadliest place for women is at home. They insist that such murders could be prevented.
Globally, an intimate partner or family member was responsible for the deaths of more than 51,000 women and girls in 2023 – an increase from an estimated 48,800 victims in 2022 – UN Women and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said.
The report released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women found the increase was largely the result of more data being available from countries and not more killings.
However the agencies stressed that “women and girls everywhere continue to be affected by this extreme form of gender-based violence and no region is excluded".
"The home is the most dangerous place for women and girls," it added.
Africa sees highest toll
The highest number of intimate partner and family killings was in Africa – with an estimated 21,700 victims in 2023, the report said.
There were also high rates last year in the Americas with 1.6 female victims per 100,000 and in Oceania with 1.5 per 100,000, it said. Rates were significantly lower in Asia at 0.8 victims per 100,000 and Europe at 0.6 per 100,000.
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Based on data from 107 countries, UNOCD found that the majority of femicides in Europe and the Americas were perpetrated by partners, while in the rest of the world it was more likely to be family members.
In contrast, the vast majority of male homicides take place outside homes and families, it said.
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Despite efforts made in several countries to prevent the killing of women and girls, feminicide "remains at an alamingly high level".
"They are often the culmination of repeated episodes of gender-based violence, which means they are preventable through timely and effective interventions," the two agencies said.
The head of UN Women, Sima Bahous, has called on countries to strengthen their legislation and improve data collection.
25 years on
Activists have observed 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women since 1981.
This date was selected to honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).
The UN is launching a special series of events for awareness: UNiTE campaign, held between 25 November and 10 December. The initiative of 16 days of activism will conclude on the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day, on 10 December.
The 2024 campaign aims to draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women to revitalise commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers.
(with newswires)
