During a speech in Geneva to the UN Human Rights Council, Volker Turk, the UN chief for human rights, highlighted the alarming rise in violence against women, particularly femicide, indicating that around 50,000 women and girls were killed globally in 2024, largely at the hands of family members. He described violence against women, including femicide, as a global emergency situation.

Turk's remarks also touched on horrific cases that have brought increased attention to sexual violence, such as the high-profile case of Jeffrey Epstein in the United States, which has underscored systemic issues of exploitation and abuse. This context suggests that the mechanisms for addressing women's rights are not keeping pace with the severity of the threats faced by women worldwide.

As he called for urgent action from nations to better protect women’s rights, Turk’s speech served as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggles against gender-based violence. The statement resonates particularly in light of rising incidences of femicide and underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard women, a topic that is increasingly urgent amidst global conversations about human rights and gender equity.