At UNFPA, we honour a simple truth: every person is born free and equal in dignity.

We work to fulfill this commitment and ensure that:

• No woman dies while giving life;
• Everyone can access the family planning they need; and
• No one faces violence or harmful practices simply because they are a woman or a girl.

This means protecting the rights of women and girls to make decisions about their own bodies and their own futures - without barriers, fear, or discrimination.

Yet across the Asia-Pacific region and around the world, we are witnessing a growing pushback against women’s rights. Hard-won gains are being challenged. Rights are being restricted, especially for the most marginalized - those in crises, persons with disabilities, Indigenous women, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those living in poverty or remote areas.

We cannot be silent. Now more than ever, we must stand firm. Because when we advance the rights of women and girls, we strengthen entire societies, making them safer, fairer and more resilient.

On this Human Rights Day, we must push forward, not backward. We must defend the rights of every woman and girl, everywhere. UNFPA will remain a steadfast partner in this work, standing with every person and every community to make human rights real for everyone.