Right of Reply on Domestic and Sexual Violence Risks Under the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the OSCE’s region, some governments advance the falsehood that only by restricting human rights can societies ensure prosperity and security.

Right of Reply on Domestic and Sexual Violence Risks Under the COVID-19 Pandemic in the OSCE Region

As delivered by Ambassador James S. Gilmore III
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
April 30, 2020

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The United States sees inextricable links between the threat of increased domestic and sexual violence caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, and the virus’ potential negative impact on human rights in general in the OSCE area. Allow me to reaffirm our support for the Ambassador of Canada’s oral statement regarding gender-based violence, although we cannot support every aspect of her written statement. Regarding human rights concerns spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic as governments take actions to limit its spread, we call for said measures to be limited in duration an scope, as I explained in detail in the related statement I made earlier..

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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