United Nations Special Rapporteur Dubravka Šimonović will visit South Africa from 4 to 11 December to examine the overall situation of violence against women and girls in the country, and gather first-hand information from victims and survivors of violence.
“Violence against women continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, affecting every country in the world,” Ms. Šimonović said announcing her first visit to South Africa as the new expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council with monitoring, reporting and advising on the situation of women and violence across the world. “When women and girls experience violence, they are denied access to fundamental human rights,” she stressed. “States have a primary responsibility to take effective action to eliminate violence against women, so it is ultimately up to State authorities to make its eradication a reality.” During her eight-day visit, the Special Rapporteur will meet with Government authorities, civil society representatives and other stakeholders in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Diepsloot, Cape Town and East London.
