11 March 2026 21:19 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says it will prioritise access to justice

Key points

Designates violence against women and girls a national emergency
Supported Agreed Conclusions on access to justice and commits to international action

TL;DR

UK Government notes gains in gender equality but warns of rights rollbacks and impacts of war and climate on women and girls.
UK Government designates violence against women and girls a national emergency and launches a 10-year strategy to halve rates within a decade.
UK Government says it supported strong Agreed Conclusions at CSW and pledges to use multilateral action to promote women’s rights, protect sexual and reproductive health and rights, and strengthen international partnerships.

Original text

In recent years, we have seen monumental shifts in gender equality. We have made some gains, which we must celebrate! But we have also seen the dismantling of hard-won rights and women facing the devastation of war and climate disaster. We’re all here with a shared purpose. To see a world where all women and girls have the opportunity to achieve the best outcomes in life, free from violence and discrimination. This year’s priority theme provides us with an opportunity to examine obstacles that prevent women from seeking and obtaining legal remedies. Too often, we see women and girls denied access to justice because of socio-economic, cultural, and institutional barriers that prevent them from exercising their rights. So we should remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantle those barriers. We were pleased to adopt a strong Agreed Conclusions on the key theme of access to justice for all women and girls earlier this week, which the UK was proud to support in the spirit of multilateralism. In the UK, we have taken a bold stance and set our ambition high. We have designated violence against women and girls a national emergency. And made it one of our missions for the government to halve rates within a decade. Our new 10-year strategy includes a whole society approach to prevention, justice, and support. Internationally, we are putting women and girls at the heart of everything that we do, from our development to our diplomacy. We have recognised violence against women and girls is also an international emergency and pledged to step up UK action to tackle this cross-border threat. By strengthening our partnerships here at CSW, we will use all possible levers to promote women’s rights and freedoms, protect sexual and reproductive health and rights for all women and girls, and ensure the multilateral system remains a powerful force for gender equality. As the rollback on women’s rights intensifies, we join many others in reaffirming our commitment to advancing gender equality. The pace is too slow. Geopolitical tensions are rising, and women and girls are suffering. But by joining forces, sharing learning and expertise, we can deliver a better future for women and girls everywhere.

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