International Human Rights Day: IACHR reaffirms States’ obligations to eradicate femicide in the Americas

December 10, 2025

Washington, DC–On International Human Rights Day, and in the context of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expresses deep concern over the persistent and alarming levels of femicide across the region. This lethal form of gender-based violence continues to undermine the dignity, security, and equality of women and girls throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

Across the region, hundreds of women are killed every month for reasons rooted in gender inequality, exposing a hemispheric crisis driven by discrimination, entrenched stereotypes, and the normalization of violence against them. Data reveal consistently high—and in some areas rising—rates of intimate partner killings, with women representing most victims. Reports of increasing brutality, rising lethality, and widespread impunity underscore that violence against women and girls, often escalating into femicides, remains among the most severe and pervasive human rights violations in the hemisphere. Most women experiencing this harm are unable to access effective justice or protection.

Femicide is caused by structural inequalities, discrimination, and enduring impunity that place many women, especially those in situations of heightened vulnerability, at extreme risk. Cases frequently involve sexual assault, severe physical aggression, strangulation, and the burning or abandonment of bodies, revealing cruelty aimed at silencing and intimidating victims. Although many States have adopted laws to increase penalties, evidence shows that harsher punishment alone has not reduced femicide. Protection systems remain inaccessible, investigations lack resources, reliable data are scarce, and economic dependence continues to trap women in violent situations. Effective prevention requires policies that act before violence occurs, including strong protection measures, safe shelters, economic autonomy programs, and community-based support systems.

The IACHR recalls that the Belém do Para Convention obligates States to exercise enhanced due diligence to prevent, investigate, punish, and eradicate violence against women, including femicide. Meeting these standards demands not only institutional reforms but also transforming the social and cultural norms that sustain discrimination and normalize violence. Ending femicide requires comprehensive education, public awareness efforts, and the active participation of men and boys to foster behavioral change rooted in respect, equality, and dignity.

The Commission reaffirms that femicide constitutes a profound violation of human rights and a direct threat to democratic life. On this Human Rights Day, the IACHR urges States to strengthen investigation and protection mechanisms, ensure effective access to justice, and invest in long-term, prevention-centered public policies that expand women’s autonomy, including economic independence, which is essential to breaking cycles of violence. The Commission remains committed to working alongside States and civil society to ensure that all women and girls can live free from lethal gender-based violence.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission is mandated to promote the observance of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 258/25

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