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Humanists spotlight role of religion and patriarchy in gender-based violence during UN panel

  • post Type / Advocacy News
  • Date / 24 June 2025

Humanists International has delivered a statement during the annual full-day discussion on the human rights of women at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, emphasizing the structural role of patriarchal norms and religious dogma in perpetuating gender-based violence in conflict and humanitarian settings.

The statement was delivered by the organization’s Advocacy Officer, Leon Langdon, during the first panel discussion of the session, held under the theme “Gender-based violence against women and girls in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings,” and featured leading voices from the UN and civil society.

Humanists International welcomed the timely focus of the discussion, but warned that gender-based violence in such contexts is neither incidental nor isolated, but rather systematic. The organization highlighted how violence against women and girls in conflict zones is rooted in notions of militarized masculinity and patriarchal norms, often reinforced by religious ideology. These intersecting forces, Langdon noted, create conditions in which rape is not only permitted, but weaponized.

Drawing attention to underexamined aspects of the issue, the statement noted that religious leaders – while potentially valuable actors in conflict resolution – have too often used their authority to justify or excuse violence. “We have seen religious leaders in non-state groups publish manuals justifying sexual slavery and the rape of women and girls,” the statement warned, urging those in positions of influence to take responsibility for promoting human rights and preventing violence within their communities.

Leon Langdon delivers the statement by video.

Humanists International also underscored the need to include LGBTI+ individuals in the discussion, pointing out that their experiences of violence and exclusion are often worsened during armed conflict.

The organization called on the Council to deepen links between the human rights framework and the UN’s peace and security agenda, stressing that war can never justify the suspension of fundamental rights – particularly the right to bodily autonomy.

The panel, chaired by Human Rights Council President H.E. Mr. Jürg Lauber, featured opening remarks from High Commissioner Volker Türk and Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, and included panellists such as Grace Achan (Women’s Advocacy Network Uganda), Nahla Haidar (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women Chair), and Clara Sandoval (Global Survivors Fund).

Ms. Achan, in her closing statement, highlighted the role of religious leaders, echoing Humanists International’s contribution. Similarly, Ms. Haidar highlighted the need for more synergy between the UN’s peace and security architecture in New York, and the human rights bodies in Geneva, which had been raised in Humanists International’s statement.


Featured Photo by Ahmed Akacha on Pexels.

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