UN SR Violence Against Women

The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences is an independent human-rights expert — a mandate first created by the United Nations in 1994 and reinforced by later resolutions. The role is part of the UN's 'Special Procedures' and is held by an expert who serves in a personal, independent capacity. The Special Rapporteur seeks and receives information on violence against women from governments, UN bodies and civil society, and recommends measures at local, national, regional and international level to eliminate all its forms and remedy its consequences. The mandate is carried out through urgent appeals and communications to states, country visits, annual thematic reports, and close consultation with women's organisations and NGOs around the world.