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<p>Discrimination and violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread
human rights abuses. Tackling this issue is a priority for the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office (FCO) and central to our work to advance gender equality and empower women.
We will continue to consult non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on our approach.
I welcome their expert advice.</p><p>FCO officials in London and across the diplomatic
network regularly meet with a wide range of NGOs to discuss gender equality and women’s
rights. This will continue. As will the regular exchanges with NGOs held at the FCO
and in Geneva before sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. The UK Mission in New
York consults regularly with international NGOs and in conjunction with Government
Equalities Office, holds nightly briefings for UK NGOs attending the UN Commission
on the Status of Women (CSW) in March each year.</p><p>The Forced Marriage Unit runs
a quarterly partnership board, involving a range of NGOs; and Conflict Department
work closely with Gender Action for Peace and Security – an organisation that represents
a number of NGOs. In addition, within the UK, the FCO works closely with the Government
Equalities Office (GEO) which carries out an extensive consultation exercise with
NGOs in advance of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) each year.</p>
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