Human Rights Council 59th session.
Item 3 - International Dialogue with Working Group on discrimination against women and girls.
Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden)
24 June 2025
Thank you, Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We thank the Working Group for its report, which highlights the vital role of care and support work, which remains largely unrecognized, underpaid, and disproportionately carried out by women and girls.
They perform over 76% of unpaid care work globally and face heightened risks—especially in conflict zones—of sexual and gender-based violence, lack of legal protections, limited access to health and sexual and reproductive health and right’s services, and social security. They face systemic barriers to leadership, fair wages and promotions.
In conflict settings, women and girls are often responsible for sustaining life amid destruction, caring for the sick, wounded and displaced without recognition or protection. Their resilience must be matched by our commitment to ensuring their safety and human rights.
Women with disabilities, migrant women, and girls bear an even heavier burden, often without access to the care they themselves need, including sexual and reproductive health services.
We must challenge gender stereotypes and achieve equal sharing of unpaid care work. The increased participation of men and boys not only promotes gender equality but also strengthens women’s economic empowerment and well-being of society.
Panellists,
How can States support civilian care infrastructure in conflict-affected countries, especially through humanitarian aid?
I thank you.