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He warned that women and girls continue to suffer disproportionate losses in conflict, and are often excluded from decisions that impact their security.
Speaking at the International Civil Society Action Network Forum on Women, Peace and Security 2026 in The Hague video messageMr Türk said the world was experiencing a “seismic global upheaval”, with conflicts affecting millions of people.
According to latest data looking at 2024, an estimated 676 million women and girls live within 50 kilometers of active conflict, the highest figure recorded since the end of the Cold War.
“Women are most of the victims conflict-related rape, kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual slavery,” he said.
She emphasized that discrimination can increase women’s vulnerability to harm, especially when conflict erupts.
Risk increases without investment
“The lower the resources allocated to women – in terms of health, wealth and education – the more likely they are to be adversely affected,” she said.
Women and girls from racially and ethnically marginalized groups, as well as those who face discrimination on the basis of religion or other reasons, can be especially vulnerable, including to sexual violence, it added.
Türk also pointed out what he described as a persistent gap between women’s role in protecting society and their representation in formal decision-making.
‘Women are not victims’
While recognizing the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls, the High Commissioner rejected the idea of depicting women solely as victims.
“But women are not victims,” he said. “On the contrary: throughout the world, even in the most violent and violent environments, women continue to lead, organize, mediate and document abuses.”
Women are often the first to respond to humanitarian crises, she said, drawing on knowledge of local conditions that international organizations may not have.
Emphasizing the important role of women in preventing conflict, Türk added that “they are very powerful builders in building protection, accountability and peace in society.”
Rethink security
The High Commissioner argued that lasting peace cannot be built in a society characterized by discrimination and oppression, and called for greater recognition of women-led civil society organizations as full partners.
He also called for a broader understanding of what constitutes security.
“Equality; impartial policing and accountability institutions; economic and social justice; nonviolent mediation; and governance that fulfills human rights make societies far safer than bloated military budgets that hinder spending on essential services,” he said.
For Türk, protecting human rights is also a way to strengthen society in the face of future crises.
“Upholding human rights is an investment in maintaining social cohesion,” he said. “This builds a society that is resilient to shocks, because it is fair.”
She called for women’s equal participation in decision-making that impacts their communities and countries: “Gender equality is not a favor that men do to women. Gender equality is fundamental to humanity, and benefits everyone,” she said.
Supporting women peace builders
UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) cooperate with women’s rights defenders and seek to expand their access to international mechanisms.
Mr Türk mentioned support for accountability for conflict-related sexual violence in countries including Colombia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as support for mediators and women leaders across Africa.
