Chair,
Access to justice for all women and girls is a cornerstone of any society committed to equality and human rights. It is fundamental. It should be self-evident.
Yet we face a stark reality:
Progress on gender equality is slowing. In many places reversing. Across the world we see intensified efforts to restrict women’s autonomy. Weaken legal protections. Roll back hard‑won rights. We should all be alarmed.
All women and girls must be free from discrimination in every part of life. But when laws discriminate you, when social norms silence you, or when courts are out of reach or lack independence, justice is denied long before a case is heard.
Chair,
Rights on paper does not necessarily equate rights in practice.
Access to justice requires the full protection of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including safe abortion, and freedom from all forms of sexual and gender‑based violence.
These rights are fundamental to equality. To dignity. To freedom. The Nordic governments stand united and we keep pushing for progress. We will continue to defend the rights of all women and girls, in all their diversity, everywhere.
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Chair,
As a young woman, I am here representing a generation that is growing up online.
For us, the digital space is not separate from real life. It is where we learn, participate, and raise our voices. It is also where many of us are violated and silenced.
Gender-based violence is no longer confined to our homes, streets, or conflict zones. It is increasingly digital, and its consequences are devastating, especially for young women and girls. Online abuse, now amplified by AI, undermines democracy, and limits our access to justice.
Chair,
We need strong and coordinated global action to ensure that digital platforms and AI are regulated in line with human rights.
If we fail to act now, we risk building a digital future where inequality is coded into our systems.
We can shape a future where technology advances equality instead of undermining it, but to achieve this we need real and meaningful youth participation.
The decisions of today will define the world my generation inherits tomorrow.
Let us ensure it is a world we are proud to pass on.