International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Martyr Saad Conference Center
November 25, 2008
 

Good morning, your Excellency, Ministers, members of the diplomatic community, staff from the United Nations, members of non-governmental organizations, and those of you here today committed to the issue of protecting women in the community.  Greetings from the United States Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice. 

In the United States, we have chosen the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and participate in activities that remind us that violence against women is a common concern to all women, regardless of race, creed, or nationality.  Unfortunately, violence against women is an issue that greatly impacts the lives of many women and men worldwide.  The United States considers violence against women, whether occurring in public or private life, to be a significant human rights violation that deserves no place in society.  Governments should take all appropriate measures to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence, whether those acts are perpetrate by the State or by private persons.