GENEVA: Amid increasing global attacks on women’s and gender rights, the United Nations has become a pivotal battleground for debates over their definition and protection.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has consistently raised alarms about systematic attempts to roll back women’s rights, citing extreme cases in countries like Afghanistan and Iran.
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council recently, Turk underscored that no nation is immune from potential regression in women’s rights, condemning ongoing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Simultaneously, the UN itself has emerged as a critical arena for these debates.
Diplomats report intensified efforts aimed at eliminating references to women’s rights, as well as those regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, which previously went unchallenged in resolutions and texts across the UN system.
“A concerted effort is underway to resist discussions on gender issues, sexual orientation, and gender identity within international organizations in Geneva and beyond,” said a Geneva-based female diplomat, who asked not to be named.
