āNumerous countries have seen increases in reports of domestic violence since the pandemic began.āMurad said domestic tensions have intensified in confined living spaces, and stay-at-home orders āare increasing human trafficking farther underground, out of sight of law enforcement.āāThe few resources designated for prevention, rescue and rehabilitation are being stretched thin,ā she said.
She became an activist on behalf of women and girls after escaping and finding refuge in Germany and shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.
āI am looking forward to the day when we have no sexual and gender-based violence, especially under COVID, from which to be resilient," she said in a virtual speech.
Germanyās Foreign Office Minister of State Michelle MĆ¼ntefering said the coronavirus makes fighting for gender equality even more important.
āWe will not allow sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking to slip into the shadow,ā she said, pledging support to Murad and others āwho fight for just and equitable societies every day.ā