WFPW Geneva, Switzerland: HRC59 Side Event - Protection from Domestic Violence: Breaking Cycles, Building Peace

HRC59 Side Event – Protection from Domestic Violence: Breaking Cycles, Building Peace Venue: Room XXV(25),Palais des Nation,Geneva

On the 20th of June,Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) together with International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP), NGO CSW Geneva, and Widows Rights International (WRI) co-hosted a powerful side event during the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council.

Chaired by Ms. Carolyn Handschin, President of NGO CSW Geneva, the event brought together a dynamic and diverse panel of speakers committed to addressing domestic violence as a global human rights issue:

Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on Violence gainst women and girls,its causes and consequences H.E. Ambassador Nella Tavita-Levy, Mission of Samoa H.E. Mr. Achsanul Habib, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Republic of Indonesia Sven Pfeiffer, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, UNODC Professor Claire Sommerville, Geneva Graduate Institute Zarin Hainsworth OBE, Widows Rights International Sandra Aboagye Brenyah, WFWPI UN Representative at Geneva

Together, we explored how domestic violence transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic status, and the urgent need for coordinated, trauma- informed, and inclusive responses.

Key takeaways included the importance of:

• Keeping mothers and children together in recovery; • Addressing the paradox of women’s leadership amid continued exploitation; • Confronting rising violence through national and legal action; • Recognizing widows as often-overlooked victims of abuse; • Understanding societal triggers ,like sports events ,that can intensify domestic violence; • Challenging harmful media portrayals that normalize abuse.

This event was not only informative, it was a call to action. We must continue to raise awareness, influence policy, and support survivors in every context. Ms. Carolyn Handschin closed the session by thanking all participants for their powerful voices and invaluable contributions. Let us continue to build peace by breaking the silence.