Un Rights Chief Warns Of Global Violence Against Women

On February 28, 2026, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council, emphasizing that violence against women has reached a crisis point globally, labeling it as a 'global emergency.' He highlighted the alarming rise in femicide and systemic abuse, particularly citing the dire situation in Afghanistan, where he stated that 'the system of segregation imposed on women is reminiscent of apartheid, based on gender rather than race.' Turk pointed to high-profile cases, including that of Jeffrey Epstein, who, despite his 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution, continued to operate within elite circles until his death in 2019. He also referenced the case of French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot, whose 2024 trial revealed horrific abuses she suffered while unconscious, underscoring the pervasive exploitation of women and girls. 'Such horrific abuse is enabled by social systems that silence women and girls,' Turk asserted, urging states to take decisive action to protect survivors and ensure justice.