UN Chief Warns of Growing Threats to Women in Conflict Zones
Hamilton, Canada — October 6, 2025 — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that women across the world are facing greater risks than ever. Violence, exclusion, and fear are spreading fast. As a result, millions of women now live close to deadly conflicts.
Record Number of Women Near War Zones
During the UN Security Council’s annual debate on Women, Peace, and Security, Guterres revealed that 676 million women lived within 50 kilometers of war zones last year.
He said this is the highest figure in decades, calling it “a serious warning for global peace.”
Furthermore, he stressed that this trend shows how unsafe the world has become for women.
Sharp Rise in Sexual Violence
According to Guterres, sexual violence against girls increased by 35% last year.
In several areas, girls made up nearly half of all victims.
Therefore, he urged governments to act quickly to stop abuse and to strengthen protection for women and children.
He described the growing number of attacks as “a clear sign of neglect and injustice.”
Women’s Rights Losing Ground
Although progress has been made in past years, women’s rights are now in decline.
For example, in Afghanistan, women and girls are being removed from public life.
They are banned from schools, jobs, and public spaces, and denied healthcare and justice.
Consequently, maternal deaths and sexual violence have sharply increased.
Violence Expanding Across Regions
Guterres also pointed to worsening conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Haiti, and Myanmar.
In these regions, women face grave violence and lack support.
Moreover, women-led organizations that once offered help are now running out of funding, leaving many victims without assistance.
Urgent Global Action Needed
The UN chief called on member states to act quickly under the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future.
He outlined five urgent priorities: funding, participation, accountability, protection, and policy integration.
In addition, he asked nations to include these goals in national laws, budgets, and programs.
“Now is the time for governments to turn promises into action,” he said. “The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda must bring real results that change lives.”
Women as Leaders of Peace
In closing, Guterres said that women must play a central role in peace efforts worldwide.
From peace talks to rebuilding after war, their leadership is essential.
“Resolution 1325 is clear — women are leaders of peace,” he said. “The world doesn’t need more reminders. It needs real action and lasting change.”
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