HE Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, said that the economic, social, and political barriers that disproportionately affect women and girls not only are human rights violations but also obstacles in the way of achieving sustainable development for all.
This came during Al Attiyah's opening speech at the GANHRI 2025 Annual Meeting on 'The Role of National Institutions in Promoting the Human Rights of Women and Girls', which was held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.
The event was attended by HE United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, and HE President of the UN Human Rights Council, Jurg Lauber, along with the heads of the regional networks that are members of the Global Alliance, in addition to a group of heads of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), experts, and academics.
"The current backlash against gender issues and women's rights at the local and global levels is deeply concerning and is pushing us back in our fight for equality and justice," said Al Attiyah, adding: "At the heart of these crises, women and girls, who have long been subjected to systematic discrimination, are among the most affected."
HE the Chairperson of GANHRI said that despite progress, women and girls around the world still face persistent discrimination, violence, and inequality, adding: "Gender-based violence remains a pervasive global epidemic," continuing: "Millions of girls are still denied their right to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities."
Al Attiyah noted that despite all the difficulties and challenges, NHRIs are capable of addressing them, pointing out that many NHRIs from all regions are actively contributing by advising states on legal and policy reform, collaborating with their communities, as well as promoting education and awareness.
HE the Chairperson of GANHRI said: "Through this conference, we will have the opportunity to listen to many speakers and partners who will share their experiences, address challenges, and review good practices that we can adopt in the future."
Al Attiyah added: "NHRIs are the bridges that connect the state and communities, businesses and a wide range of rights, and the international and national systems for the protection of human rights."
Her Excellency said that NHRIs' ultimate goal is to help states and societies implement the precise provisions of international human rights law and international standards, transforming them from mere legal texts into a tangible reality for all people.
Al Attiyah noted that the human rights of women and girls are enshrined in a wide range of international treaties and declarations, as well as political commitments at the international, regional, and national levels, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
HE the Chairperson of both GANHRI and NHRC emphasized the importance of the active participation of women and girls in all aspects of decision-making, to ensure their rights are protected and translated into reality.
She noted the unique role played by national institutions in engaging in international processes, and their transformative potential in domestic laws and policies, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women among others, the Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review, and special procedures.
Al Attiyah said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which set out a comprehensive agenda to achieve the full empowerment of women and girls and ensure their rights in all areas and aspects of life, which constitutes an appropriate moment to renew commitments and deepen our work.
HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah said: "Amid the devastating conflicts and crises sweeping across all regions today, we must call for the necessary participation of women in leadership and decision-making roles in peacemaking and peace-building processes, and in key leadership positions within the United Nations."
