On 19 December 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

Statement by Alvilda Jablonko, Director for Gender and Human Rights of No Peace Without Justice:

“On this International Day of the Girl Child, No Peace Without Justice (NPWJ) and the Nonviolent Radical Party Transnational and Transparty (NRPTT) take this opportunity to remember the too many gaps hindering – at various levels and sometimes in a brutal and cruel manner – the process towards the full protection of the human rights of children, particularly girls.

“Millions of girls worldwide are still victims or at risk of violations of their human rights, as both a result and a perpetuation of gender inequality and discrimination that denies them the most basic forms of autonomy and self-determination. They are victims of sexual abuse, exploitation and so-called traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage, and too often denied their right to health, safety and education.

“On this important day when we reaffirm our commitment to stand up for the rights of girls, it is also important to note that many countries worldwide still lack appropriate and effective legislation to protect them and that, where laws have been enacted, political will to implement them effectively has not always followed. NPWJ and the NRPTT appeal to all states to turn their political commitment into concrete, efficient and coordinated policies to address the unique and most pressing challenges girls face around the world and to ensure the fulfilment of their human rights.”

• For further information, please contact: Alvilda Jablonko on ajablonko@npwj.org or Nicola Giovannini (Press & Public Affairs Coordinator) on ngiovannini@npwj.org or +32 2 548 39 15.
• Visit the special page on NPWJ Gender and Human Rights Program activities