UN Resident Coordinator’s speech at the closing of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and launch of Human Rights campaign

It’s truly an honour to stand before you as we close this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which always coincides with the commemorations of the International Human Rights Day, on 10th December each year. From the vibrant launch at Bintumani Conference Hall to engaging communities across all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, these past days have been filled with energy, commitment, and undeniable solidarity. Together, we’ve echoed one powerful truth: there is no excuse for violence.

This campaign is more than a series of events—it’s a movement. It’s a collective call to action that demands we say enough is enough. Let us work together to ensure gender equality, protect women and girls, and empower everyone while leaving no one behind—including boys and men.

As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us, “Gender equality is a question of power.” To end gender-based violence, we must address power imbalances. UN Women’s Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous highlights that this fight is not only about human rights—though it certainly is—but also about sustainable development. If we want stronger families, peaceful communities, and a better future, we cannot ignore the violence that hinders progress.

Reflecting on Our Impact

What we’ve achieved together over these 16 days is remarkable. Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and support from the Government of Iceland through UN Women, we turned words into action. Community engagements across the nation gave people a platform to share their stories, hopes, and ideas for change. These voices have given us the blueprint to act collectively and meaningfully with the communities we serve.

Education has also been pivotal. From school workshops to community seminars, we’ve ignited critical conversations and planted seeds of change. Imagine the transformative impact this creates—not just today, but for generations to come. My plea is that these discussions continue beyond conference halls. Let us act on the recommendations we’ve heard to bring lasting change for our women, children, and men.

Strengthening legal and policy frameworks remains vital. Survivors must have access to justice and support. I also urge us all to champion the recently launched “Real Man” campaign and today’s “Our Rights, Our Future: Right Now” initiative. These programs challenge harmful practices, engage men and boys as allies, and elevate human rights advocacy.

Looking Ahead

Let me emphasize: our work doesn’t end here. Gender-based violence is a year-round crisis, and our commitment must reflect that reality. I challenge all of us—government, civil society, grassroots organizations, the private sector, development partners, and the UN family—to sustain this momentum. Let’s reconvene a year from now to reflect on our progress, assess our challenges, and push further for change.

The Power of Partnerships

None of this would be possible without partnerships. Whether through the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the “Real Man” initiative, or today’s International Human Rights Day, we’ve demonstrated that we are stronger together. These campaigns are proof of what we can achieve when we unite behind a shared vision of equality and justice.

International Human Rights Day

Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, our esteemed partners and stakeholders, please allow me to take this opportunity to draw attention to the Human Rights Day message of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres 

“Human Rights are about building the future — right wow” says Secretary-General. On Human Rights Day, we face a harsh truth.  Human rights are under assault.  Tens of millions of people are mired in poverty, hunger, poor health and education systems that have not yet fully recovered from the COVID‑19 pandemic.  Global inequalities are running rampant.  Conflicts are intensifying.  International law is wilfully ignored.  Authoritarianism is on the march while civic space is shrinking.  Hateful rhetoric is fuelling discrimination, division and outright violence.  And women’s rights continue to be rolled back in law and practice.

This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now.  All human rights are indivisible.  Whether economic, social, civic, cultural or political, when one right is undermined, all rights are undermined.

We must stand up for all rights — always.  Healing divisions and building peace.  Tackling the scourges of poverty and hunger.  Ensuring healthcare and education for all.  Advancing justice and equality for women, girls and minorities.  Standing up for democracy, press freedoms and workers’ rights.  Promoting the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.  And defending human rights defenders as they carry out their vital work.

The recently adopted Pact for the Future reinforced the world’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this important day, let’s protect, defend and uphold all human rights for all people.

Lauch of the Human Rights Campaign

At this year’s International Human Rights Day, we launch the campaign, “Our rights, our future, right now.” The theme of this campaign emphasises how human rights empower individuals and communities to build a better future, act as pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good.

Human rights impact everyone, every day and in this campaign, Our rights, our future, right now. We will show the tangible impact of human rights by focusing on relevant global issues, showcasing impact, successes and practical solutions.

By this yearlong campaign, we intend to raise awareness about the real-life relevance of human rights and how they affect everyone, every day. We also intend to shift perceptions and counter negative stereotypes and misconceptions by highlighting success stories and the positive impact of human rights. Equally, we intend to mobilize action and encourage people to take action and support human rights initiatives and join towards creating a fairer more equal world. 

On behalf of the United Nations in Sierra Leone, it is my pleasure to launch this campaign “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”. While committing to UN’s resolve to implement the campaign throughout the year, I enjoin the Government of Sierra Leone, its MDS’s and civil society stakeholders to do the same.

Closing Thoughts

As we close this chapter, let’s remember this is not the end. It’s the beginning of a louder, stronger, and more determined fight against gender-based violence. Let’s leave here inspired and ready to take action—not just for 16 days, but every single day.

Together, we can. Together, we have. And together, we will create a Sierra Leone where everyone, regardless of gender, lives free from violence and full of opportunity. So far, allow me to say, congratulations Sierra Leone for an awakening 16 Days of Activism campaign this year.

With that said, I look forward excitedly to the plenary session on the agenda.

Thank you.