The UN High Commissioner, Volker Turk, emphasizes that violence against women, including femicide, represents a global emergency.

In a speech addressed to the UN Human Rights Council, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that violence against women is a global emergency, mentioning that approximately 50,000 women and girls were killed in 2024, mostly by family members. Turk highlighted recent cases, such as that of Gisela Pelicot in France and the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, to illustrate the extent of abuses against women. He criticized social systems that allow these abuses and called on states to investigate crimes, protect victims, and ensure justice. He also expressed concern about online attacks against women, especially female politicians, who constantly face misogyny. Turk emphasized the need for urgent action to combat these issues.