KATHMANDU, Nov. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations system in Nepal said that UN agencies are committed to fighting all forms of violence against all women and girls as well as sexual minorities.

    In a joint message issued here on Friday on the occasion of "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women," the UN system in Nepal said, "The UN's concerns extend to women of all ethnic, caste and religious groups, especially combating sexual and domestic violence and social practices that undermine women's integrity."

    "Addressing the protection concerns of refugees and displaced women and above all violence against women in the context of the ongoing armed conflict is a priority commitment," the statement added.

    The statement further said that Nepal has reiterated its commitment to reduce gender-based violence and the Constitution of Nepal also contains specific provisions to safeguard the rights and interests of women and children, however many challenges still remain in their effective enforcement within the national legislation.

    "The present conflict is a serious setback for the country, as it has increased the incidence of violence against women and led to the deterioration of health and social services in remote areas," the statement said.

    The statement further said, "In recent years there have been credible reports of women dying in childbirth because they could not reach medical treatment and cases of rape, deliberate killing or maiming of girls and women that were not adequately investigated and/or prosecuted by the authorities."

    United Nations general assembly designated Nov. 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women through a resolution on Dec. 17, 1999. Enditem