"Violence against women and girls affects the human rights of half of the EU population"

Marking the International Day for the elimination of violence against women on 25 November, EESC member José Antonio Moreno Díaz, rapporteur for the opinion SOC/726 Combatting violence against women, believes that violence against women and girls is a tragedy that is sweeping Europe.

Violence against women and girls affects the human rights of half of the EU population whose physical integrity and dignity are seriously damaged. This is why the fight against gender-based violence must involve all EU institutions, local, national and regional authorities, to address this topic properly.

The proposed directive by the European Commission against gender based violence must include the offence of rape based on consent, as it is one of the most serious attacks on the physical and psychological integrity of women and girls. We call on all EU Member States to support the adoption of a strong EU directive on violence against women and girls. Freedom from violence against women and girls is a human right! said Moreno Díaz.

#NOEXCUSE,  #EndVAWG, #OrangeTheWorld

Further reading:

• EESC member: José Antonio Moreno Díaz: "Violence against women is a form of terrorism"
• EESC: Human rights, gender sensitivity and inclusion are key to ending violence against women