Egyptian women's voices must be heard without threat of violence – UN official
July 11, 2013: A senior United Nations official on Wednesday stressed the need to
ensure women can make their voices heard in Egypt without fear of violence, stressing
that their right to take part in the country's public life must be protected.
The
acting head of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN
Women), Lakshmi Puri, stressed the role women have played in the political life of
the country and called for zero tolerance against all forms of violence against women
and girls after reports of rape during protests.
“Egypt's women have been
at the heart of the vibrant civil society movement that continues to press for the
rights of all Egyptians,” UN Women said in a news release. “Their participation in
public life and the inclusion of their needs and priorities in any political solution
is a prerequisite for inclusive democracy in Egypt.”
On Wednesday, 3 July,
the Egyptian military deposed President Mohamed Morsy, suspended the Constitution
and paved they way for an interim Government. Since then, Mr. Morsy's foes and supporters
have continued to face off in huge demonstrations, with security forces and police
adding to the deepening chaos.
More than 80 people have reportedly been killed
and thousands more have been injured in the protests. In addition, media reports stated
that over 90 women have been raped during the clashes.
“UN Women is concerned
by reports of the high prevalence of sexual assaults against women in public spaces,”
the agency said. “UN Women adds its voice to calls on all parties to take a firm stand
and show zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and girls. Egypt's
women have the right to fully participate in political dialogue without fear or threat
of violence. Their voices are essential to a peaceful and prosperous Egypt.”
Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay have spoken out several
times on the need for all parties in Egypt – which has been undergoing a democratic
transition since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak two years ago – to exercise
restraint, protect human rights and resort to dialogue to peacefully resolve differences