UN spokesman condemns death of Ugandan marathon runner

UN Secretary-General's spokesman Antonio Guterres has condemned the death of a Ugandan marathon runner who died in Kenya on Thursday after her ex-boyfriend allegedly set her on fire.

Stephane Dujarric made these remarks at a regular press conference on Thursday. He spoke about the incident in which Rebecca Cheptegei, who was competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, died.

Dujarric said: “Every day in this room we talk a lot about the big issues of peace and security around the world. Today, however, I want to briefly mention the tragic death of a person that illustrates a much larger problem that is too often ignored.”

He continued: “On average, every 11 minutes somewhere in the world a woman or girl is killed by her partner or family member,” citing figures from UN surveys.

He also said: “Gender-based violence is one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world.”

Dujarric added: “We still live in a male-dominated culture that leaves women vulnerable by denying them equality in dignity and rights. Our societies are less peaceful, our economies less prosperous and our world less just. But another world is possible.”