OSCE SMM Chief Monitor and OSCE Project Co-ordinator call for protection and inclusion of women in Ukraine

KYIV, 24 November 2017 – As the world is set to mark tomorrow’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it is vitally important to recognize the link between violence against women and armed conflict, said Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, and Ambassador Vaidotas Verba, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, today in Kyiv.

“Violence against women is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the OSCE area,” both ambassadors said. “It is particularly pervasive in armed conflict situations, and eradicating it can also sometimes be the key to resolving acute security challenges.”

Starting with the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, the OSCE has repeatedly called for participating States to exercise a full range of measures to prevent and prosecute violence against women and to protect its victims. These recommendations are summarized in a decision taken by OSCE participating States at the 2014 Basel Ministerial Council. They include giving consideration to the ratification of relevant international instruments, including the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, known as the Istanbul Convention.

Given its importance, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine and the Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine pay special attention to the issue of violence against women in their respective monitoring, reports, public statements and practical assistance projects, in line with their mandates. Ambassador Apakan and Ambassador Verba stressed that in their efforts they are joined by other OSCE Institutions and Executive Structures, including but not limited to the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship-in-Office, currently Austria.

Both ambassadors stressed the excellent co-operation with key national stakeholders in Ukraine, including the Ministry of Social Policy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police, and a wide network of civil society organizations.

“We are ready to give further support to help improve Ukraine’s adherence to OSCE commitments in this regard,” they said. “Women should not only be respected and protected as equal citizens but they must have equal opportunity to participate, particularly in conflict resolution.”